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UV & YOU

You slather your skin with sunscreen before heading out for a day outdoors. But do you think about your eyes? Though 80% of Americans understand the effects of sun damage on skin, fewer than 10% of us understand that our eyes need the same protection.

That's true whether it's sunny or overcast. In fact, even on a cloudy day or on a gray wintry one, 70% of UV radiation can pass through the clouds. The damage resulting from such exposure is cumulative and builds each time your eyes are exposed to the sun.

Long term, exposure to UV can cause cataracts and may also contribute to macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in Americans over age 60. But, if you think you don't have to worry til then, think again.

KID VISION

The fact is that our children are more at risk than the rest of us.

• Because 80% of exposure to UV occurs by age 18, even young children need sun protection.
• Up to six times more UV radiation is able to penetrate the eyes of a child as compared to those of an adult. Add to that the fact that today's typical kid experiences three times the annual exposure to UV as an adult, and there's no question that it's never too early to protect children's eyes. So, what can you do?

lenses Not all lenses protect your eyes from UV. In fact, most don't. To make sure yours do, ask your eyecare professional for Xperio polarized or Airwear polycarbonate lenses, or Transitions lenses that go from light indoors to dark outside. Each of these blocks 100% of harmful UV radiation.

head to toe People in Australia, who experience the world's highest level of skin cancer, go far beyond sunscreen. Their protection includes UV-blocking clothing, hats, and even stroller covers. Sunglasses and broad-rim hats are routinely worn by people of all ages, even young children. The Cancer Society there promotes five steps: 1 SLIP on sun-protective clothing; 2 SLOP on SPF30+ sunscreen; 3 SLAP on a hat; 4 SEEK shade; and 5 SLIDE on sunglasses.

While not widely used here yet, UV-attenuating clothing is now available in the U.S. as well. It's just one more way you can protect yourself and your family from the long-term damages of exposure to too much sun.

Sun Tips Here are a few sun-savvy lips from Transitions: TIME Plan your fun in the sun either before 1O or after two. CLOTHING Don't forget a hat or other protective clothing. LIPS In addition to sun lotion, don't forget lip balm with SPF protection, too. GLASSES Make sure your sunwear blocks 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. Many sunglasses don't, so be sure to double check before you buy.