Eye Protection in Spain
Increased time in the sun poses risks to your eyes as exposure to bright light can increase the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer.
Excessive exposure to UV light reflected off sand, snow or water or pavement can damage the eyes which never recover. Following are suggestions on how to protect your eyes from the sun:
- Select sunglasses that block UV rays. They should block 97-100% of UV and UV-B rays.
- Ideally your sunglasses should be close fitting and wrap all the way around your face so that the sun’s rays cannot enter from the side.
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your eyes.
- Even if you wear contact lenses with UV protection you should also wear sunglasses for added protection
- The sun’s rays can pass through haze and thin clouds
- It is especially important to wear sunglasses in the early afternoon and at higher altitudes where UV light is more intense.
- Everyone is at risk, especially children as the lenses in their eyes are clearer. Try to keep them out of the sun between 10:00 and 14:00 when the UV rays are the strongest.
Photosensitizing drugs that make your skin more sensitive to light can also make your eyes more sensitive to light. You should discuss precautions with your ophthalmologist if you are taking any of the following drugs: Psoralens (used in treating psoriasis); Tetracycline; Doxycycline; Allopurinol or Phenothiazine.
Older people who have had cataract surgery may also be more vulnerable to UV light.