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When you head outside on sunny days, your skin isn't the only body part that needs protection from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines, host of HealthDay TV. According to experts at the University of Houston, many people aren't aware of the importance of protecting their eyes from the sun. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause cataracts, growths on the surface of the eyes, cancer on the eyelids and surrounding skin, and even sunburn of the eyes. Symptoms of sunburn affecting the eyes include blurry vision, pain, redness, watery eyes, and temporary vision loss.[PR, http://www.aoa.org/documents/SunglassShoppingGuide0810.pdf] The American Optometric Association recommends that people protect their vision by wearing good-quality sunglasses and a hat with a wide brim while outdoors.[http://www.aoa.org/uv-protection.xml] The organization recommends that you look for sunglasses that screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light. Your sunglasses should also block at least 99 percent of both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation. If you wear them while driving, they should be tinted gray so you can properly recognize colors, which is important when you approach traffic lights.[http://www.aoa.org/uv-protection.xml; http://www.aoa.org/documents/SunglassShoppingGuide0810.pdf] I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.
