Are Your Eyes Protected From The Sun's UV Rays?

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If you answered no this question, you could be placing yourself at risk for developing certain types of skin cancer found on the eyelids. The sun's powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate through the soft, delicate layer of skin on the eyelids, causing abnormal cellular growth which can lead to cancer. In addition, the World Health Organization estimates up to 20% of Cataracts, the world’s leading cause of blindness, may be attributed to over-exposure to UV radiation. Whether you're going to chill out at the beach or spend some time working in your garden, you should take the necessary precautions to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays.

With an estimated 2 million new cases diagnosed each year, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that skin cancer can form on the eyelids. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma of the eyelid accounts for 5-10% of all cases of skin cancer. :)  #Fluffy Slippers

Wear a High-SPF Sunscreen Lotion

The first layer of defense against the sun's UV rays should be a high-SPF sunscreen lotion. Don't just lather it on the obvious places, such as your back, chest and legs where you typically turn lobster-red after spending a day under the sun. A very small amount should also be applied over your eyelids....

A sunscreen lotion's effectiveness at blocking UVB rays (one of the two main UV rays emitted by the sun) is measured in Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the greater the level of protection it offers. Choose a sunscreen lotion with a minimum SPF of 15 to ensure your skin – and eyelids – are protected. Try to use caution to avoid getting any on your actual eyes, as it may burn during contact.

Wear UV Protection Swimming Goggles

If you plan on spending time in the pool or ocean, you'll want to gear up in a pair of  swimming goggles that offer UV protection. These goggles feature specially designed lenses that minimize or block out both UVA and UVB rays (like UV400 rated goggles), allowing for a greater level of protection against the sun's ultraviolet rays. You'll still be able to swim and enjoy the water like you normally would but you will do so knowing that you are reducing the risk of skin cancers found on the eyelids as well as painful sunburns on the eyes if you stick with a combination of wearing UV protection swimming goggles, sunscreen lotion along with exercising caution to reduce the likelihood of over-exposure to the sun’s UV radiation.

Wear UV Sunglasses

When you're not in the water, you should wear a pair of  UV protection sunglasses to keep your eyes protected from the sun. You don't have to opt for the high-dollar 'premium' sunglasses as they may not offer any more protection against the sun’s UV than the Goggles More's selection of UV400 rated sunglasses.