The skin and the eyes are the two parts of the body that get direct contact with the sun. The sun’s rays can burn the outer layers of the eyes, just as the rays can burn the skin. Sunglasses help your eyes filter light and they protect the eyes from ultraviolet light that may contribute to conditions such as-cataracts and macular degeneration.

1. UV protection – block out 99% and higher of UV-A and UV-B radiation, fit snugly, cover the entire area between the eyebrows and middle of the cheeks, and wrap around toward the ears.
2. Hats with brims or visors – Wearing a hat with at least a 3” brim all around can block up to half of all UV rays from your eyes and eyelids.
3. Blue-blocking lenses – exposure to the blue light from the sun is a risk factor for eye diseases exposure to the blue light is a risk factor for eye diseases and also helpful for activities such as boating as they make distant objects easier to see.
4. Tint – Make sure your next pair of shades screen out 75 to 90 percent of light and if you are exposed to changing light conditions photochromatic lenses, which adjust to lighter and darker environments, are recommended.
5. Lens color – is a personal choice and doesn’t affect how well sunglass lenses protect your eyes from UV light. Gray and brown are popular because they distort color perception the least. Gray lenses-allow the strongest amount of color recognition.
6. Polarized sunglasses – provide superior glare protection — especially on the water. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks this type of intense reflected light, reducing glare.
7. Nutrition – lutein , zeaxanthin, astaxanthin zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin A, Vitamin C, essential fatty acids helps protect  the eyes , work like “internal sunglasses.” Some examples are green leafy vegetables (spinach and kale), eggs, chia seeds, flax seeds, fish-salmon, and sardines.
8. Sunglasses Fit – Sunglasses that wrap around your eyes can help block stray UV light.  They can also keep out sand and allergens.
9. Sunscreen – Since sunglasses and hats cannot cover your entire face, sunscreen is important.
10. Shade – whenever outside, seek shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Marc Grossman, Doctor of Optometry and New York State Licensed Acupuncturist is author of several books, including Natural Eye Care – Your Guide to Healthy Vision.  Since 1980 Dr. Marc Grossman has helped many people maintain healthy vision and even improve eyesight. He is best described as a Holistic Eye Doctor, dedicated to helping people with such conditions ranging from myopia and dry eyes to potentially vision threatening diseases as macular degeneration and glaucoma. His combined multi-disciplinary approach using nutrition, eye exercises, lifestyle changes and Chinese Medicine provides him with a wide array of tools and approaches to tackle difficult eye problems. Dr. Grossman founded the Rye Learning Center in 1980, a multidisciplinary center for learning problems, in 1996 co-founded Integral Health Associates in New Paltz, New York, and in 1999 co-founded Natural Eye Care, Inc. For more information go to www.naturaleyecare.com or call 845-255-3728.

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