We all hear about protecting our skin against the sun, but what about our eyes?

Because I grew up in the Sunshine State there were two things I learned to never leave home without: lots of sunscreen and big sunglasses. Just as it can damage your skin, sun exposure may cause short- and long-term damage to eyes that are unprotected or under-protected.

This is especially important for kids: it is estimated that we receive 80 percent of our lifetime exposure to UV rays by age 18. Children have larger pupils than adults (allowing more light into their eyes), clearer lenses, and are outside without eye protection much more frequently and for longer periods than most adults.

One study found that globally, 88 percent of people recognize that UV rays can damage their eyes, but only 57 percent wear sunglasses as protection. That said, not all sunglasses offer UV protection, and most frame styles don’t prevent rays from reaching the sides, top, and bottom of the glasses.

In recognition of UV Safety Month in the U.S., here are a few tips for reducing the risks of UV exposure, from the Healthy Women resource Fast Facts for Your Health: The Sun & Your Eyes: What You Need to Know –also available in Spanish (developed with the support of VISTAKON, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.):

Choosing the right sunglasses

• Choose sunglasses that limit transmission to no more than 1 percent UVB and 1 percent UVA rays. Sometimes the information on the glasses will say they block at least 99 percent of the UV rays. That’s OK. Other things to look for:
• Lenses large enough to completely cover the eye and prevent as much light as possible from entering through the edges of the glasses.
• Darker lenses, particularly if you are more light sensitive.
• Gray lenses. They provide the least color distortion, but not any better protection than other colored lenses.

UV-blocking contact lenses

For those that require vision correction, UV-blocking contact lenses can provide additional protection—when worn with UV-absorbing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. However, not all contact lenses offer UV protection. The American Optometric Association offers more information on UV protection and what to look for in UV-blocking contact lenses.

And remember, you can be at risk for sun damage at any time of year so protect your eyes, and your skin, year-round.