Summer-proof YOUR VISION

Take care on sunnier days to protect your eyes for years ahead

- WORDS: SAMANTHA WOOD

We know we should slather on sun lotion to safeguard our skin from sunburn, but many of us neglect our eyes during spring and summer. Excessive sun exposure can cause irreversible damage to eyesight and even lead to blindness. Here's how to keep yours safe...

Choose suitable shades

Sunglasses will help protect your eyes, so wear them on both sunny and cloudy days - when UV rays can still cause damage. 'Look for sunglasses that offer UV400 or 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays,' says optometrist Sarah Farrant. Avoid tinted glasses, which can trick your eyes into dilating, allowing more UV light to enter without offering protection - and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Be swim savvy