Don’t forget to protect your eyes in the sun

You’ll probably take sunscreen along this weekend, but an Iowa medical professional says you should also take steps to protect your eyes from the blazing rays. Optometrist Beth Triebel says this season can be hard on your vision. She says especially if you’re outside in the bright light often, you should protect eyes from the ultraviolet radiation. With the ozone layer becoming thinner, she says we’re all at risk of more U.V. rays, which can mean more eye problems later in life. U.V. light can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, and make your eyes dry and uncomfortable. Sunglasses will protect them, and so will wearing a hat with a brim. Read the label, because the best ones say they’ll protect you against U.V.-A and U.V.-B. They don’t have to be expensive, says the eye doctor: “Even some of the cheaper sunglasses have that good protection.” She adds the best sunglasses have polarized lenses. “They limit the most amount of glare and give you the best protection.” If you already wear glasses, doctor Triebel says you can buy clip-ons that offer the U.V. protection and polarization. She says wearers of corrective lenses also can get prescription sunglasses made just for their needs. She says someone who spends a lot of time out in the sun, or going in and out, will find prescription sunglasses the best.