Going on a sunny adventure? Essential sun protection tips for your eyes

This year, travel data reveals that the tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down worldwide. In a survey conducted by Forbes Advisor, out of 1,000 respondents, 87% of Americans surveyed expect to travel at least as much as they did in the prior year, with 49% selecting that they expect to travel more in 2024. So far, vacation trends indicate that among the most popular types of travel are eco-friendly escapades, unique camping excursions, wellness tourism, and more. But, regardless of what kind of travel you’ll be doing, there’s one constant thing – the sun!

Whether you’re lounging on a tropical beach, hiking in the mountains, or exploring vibrant city streets, extended sun exposure can pose risks to your eye health if left unprotected. So, here are the best sun protection tips for your eyes to keep in mind on your next sun-drenched getaway:

Bring along a wide-brimmed sun hat
The sun emits radiation in many ways. Sunlight and heat are two forms, but the one we should be most cautious about is invisible, called UV rays. These rays can damage the cornea, lens, and retina, leading to various eye conditions such as photokeratitis, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration, underscoring the importance of eye protection. Wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat is one way to keep your eyes healthy during travels. When choosing a sun hat for your getaway, make sure it has a brim of at least three inches to provide shade and coverage for the eyes, face, and neck, like the HZEYN Wide Brim Bucket Hat. Plus, since this hat is made of cotton, it’s breathable and easily folds to a compact, travel-friendly size.

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses
The Prevent Blindness organization stresses that eyewear that blocks UV rays gives you the best sun protection. However, eye experts warn that not all sunglasses are created equal, with cheap sunglasses notorious for not meeting UV protection standards. As such, it’s best to stick to sunnies from reputable retailers. On Sunglass Hut, you’ll find an array of sunglasses from known brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. If you’re a frequent traveler, we recommend the Latch model from Oakley. These sunglasses are equipped with polarized Prizm lenses, which offer high protection against UV rays and sun glare, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your travels without worrying about eye strain or UV-related eye damage. The frames are also made of lightweight O-Matter, ensuring comfort as you wear them all day for sightseeing and other touristy things.

Slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on other parts of the body, making it particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV rays. Without adequate protection, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Moreover, sun exposure can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin around the eyes, especially in sunny destinations with intense sunlight and high temperatures. To stay safe from the sun, dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen such as the Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 50 from Babo Botanicals. Just make sure you reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating!

Take a supplement for eye health
Eye health supplements containing antioxidants like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids help protect the eyes from UV-induced damage by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. More specifically, higher intake of these supplements has been associated with a 35% reduced risk of AMD in older people. You can check out supplements like Bausch + Lomb’s Ocuvite Eye Vitamin and Mineral Supplement, which contains lutein, vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and more.

By following these simple sun protection tips for your eyes, you can enjoy your holiday with greater peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken proactive steps to safeguard your vision.

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The article Going on a sunny adventure? Essential sun protection tips for your eyes first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.