Sun Awareness Week 2021

Sun Awareness week is a national campaign created by The British Association of Dermatologists. The campaign runs from 3^rd – 9^th May and is used to raise awareness of skin cancer and protecting yourself from the sun including your eyes.

In moderation, exposure to the sun stimulates the production of vitamin D in the skin which is essential for keeping your bones strong and healthy. However, over exposure can cause damage to the skin and eyes.

People often do not realise that a sunny winters day can be just as dangerous as a summer’s day, as it is the UV that is harmful to our bodies, not the warmth of the sun. The consequences of exposing the skin to UV is well understood, however very few recognise the concerns with eye problems. The best way to protect your eyes is by wearing sunglasses that offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays.

There are a few myths about sunglasses, and the protection they offer. Here are our answers to these misconceptions.

·        Sunglasses are only for when it is sunny and warm.

FALSE. UV is always present, even on the most overcast days. UV levels vary depending on the height of the sun and other factors. The sun can also be reflected off snow and ice, which can cause photokeratitis, or snow burn.

·        Do my children need sunglasses?

YES. Children are at a higher risk from damage due to UV exposure due to spending more time outdoors, and their skin is thinner and more sensitive.

·        Cheap sunglasses offer no protection.

FALSE. The price of your sunglasses has no impact on the level of protection they offer. Sunglasses should state they offer 100% protection from UVA/UVB whatever their price may be.

·        Polarised lenses will give me more protection.

FALSE. Polarised lenses offer no more protection than standard sunglasses lenses. Most people who choose these lenses do so because it reduces glare and are a recommended choice for driving and activities such as golf and water based sports.

·        Does size matter?

YES. The bigger the better as larger sunglasses offer more coverage for the eye and surrounding skin. Oversized sunglasses are great for this, and wraparound sunglasses will block any UV entering the eye from the side.

·        Do the different coloured lenses make a difference?

NO. The coloured lenses are often a cosmetic preference and offer no different level of protection. A coloured lens if often chosen due to the contrast it offers compared to a grey lens.

Keeping yourself safe in the sun couldn’t be easier with the 5 S’s.

SLIP on a t-shirt

SLOP on SPF 30+ UVA suncream

SLAP on a broad rimmed hat

SLIDE on a pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection

SHADE from the sun whenever possible.

For any more information about UV protection speak to a member of our team today, or pop in and browse our sunglasses collection.