The sun takes its toll on your eyes too: protect them this summer

In summer, we tend to remember to protect our skin, but our eyes also suffer — and greatly — from exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet radiation causes immediate discomfort (redness, watery eyes, a gritty sensation, sensitivity to light) and, most importantly, cumulative and silent damage: prolonged unprotected exposure is linked to the earlier onset of cataracts, lesions on the surface of the eye such as pterygium and pinguecula, and long-term changes to the retina. At the beach, the swimming pool or in the mountains, the effect is magnified, because water and sand reflect the radiation and send it straight back into the eyes.

The good news is that protecting yourself is simple. The key lies in properly certified sunglasses: those with a CE mark and a UV400 filter, which blocks virtually 100 per cent of ultraviolet radiation. It is worth noting that the dark colour of the lens, on its own, does not provide protection — a very dark lens without a UV filter is actually counterproductive, as it dilates the pupil and allows more radiation to enter. That is why it is best to avoid sunglasses from bazaars or street stalls with no guarantees, and always buy them from reputable shops, checking that they are certified.

Complete your protection with a hat or cap with a visor, seek shade during the middle of the day, and take extra care with children: their eye lenses are less effective at filtering out radiation than those of adults, so properly certified children’s sunglasses are not a luxury – they’re about safeguarding their future eye health. And remember: there is still ultraviolet radiation on cloudy days.

If, after a day in the sun, you notice any discomfort that doesn’t go away — redness, a gritty sensation, watery eyes or blurred vision — don’t ignore it: book an appointment with your GP or optometrist as soon as possible so they can assess the situation.