Prolonged exposure to the sun without proper protection may cause eye conditions that can lead to a variety of vision disorders, the American Optometric Association (AOA) warns. Following are five tips from the AOA that can help prevent further eye damage from exposure to UV radiation:

1. Wear sunglasses when exposed to UV radiation, even on cloudy days and during the winter.
2. Choose quality sunglasses that offer good protection. Sunglasses should block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.
3. Check to make sure the lenses of your sunglasses are perfectly matched in color and free of imperfections.
4. Purchase gray-colored lenses: they reduce light intensity without altering the color of objects, providing the most natural color vision.
5. Don't forget to protect the eyes of children and teenagers. They tend to spend more time in the sun than adults and are at greater risk of damaging their retinas from short wavelength light.

Suggested reading:

• UV Eye Safety
• How to Protect Eyes from the Sun
• Getting Toddlers to Wear Sunglasses

_Source:

American Optometric Association, UV Protection For Eyes Especially Important During Summer Months. Medical News Today, 06 May 2008.

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