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As summer draws ever closer, the nation is getting ready to spend time outside soaking up the sun. In preparation for the warmer months, independent opticians across the UK are keen to raise awareness of the ever present threat UV rays pose to the eyes, particularly those of the young.
Children have large pupils and extremely clear lenses that let in lots of UV light. As a result, across a lifetime it is thought we receive 80 per cent of our exposure to UV rays before the age of 18*. Despite the young being particularly vulnerable to sun damage, independent opticians point out that only 3 per cent of children regularly wear sunglasses.
Coming together under the Eye Love My Local Independent Optician campaign, independent optical practices are urging people, especially parents to take care in the sun and protect their child's eyes from both natural and artificial ultraviolet rays.
Paul Surridge, a spokesperson for the Eye Love My Local Independent Optician campaign, said: “Children should be encouraged to wear sunglasses throughout the year, especially during the summer. Good quality sunglasses can filter out most, if not all, UV radiation and wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also reduce the risk of potential eye-related damage.
"Over exposure to ultraviolet light, such as spending a day at the beach without proper eye protection can cause a temporary but painful burn to the surface of the eye, similar to sunburn on the skin."
Acknowledging the dangers of UV rays, the Eye Love My Local Independent Optician campaign is encouraging both parents and children to visit their local optical practice for regular eye tests, to identify any potential problems caused by overexposure to the sun.
Paul concluded: “With children at greater risk of sun damage, it's often beneficial to visit your independent optician as a family. Not only will the practitioner be able to recommend suitable eyewear for your child, but frequent visits also establish the importance of eye health amongst the young. Children will be prompted to visit their optician as often as visiting their dentist, which will result in maintaining pro-longed eye health."
*Statistics sourced from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
"The atmosphere, range of designer frames and the high levels of service at Wendy Diddams changed the way I viewed going to the opticians. By using an independent I have found that I don’t have to hang around waiting for ages and I also have never had an appointment cancelled since being with Wendy."
Naomi Wellman, from Knutsford, patient at Wendy Diddams Optometrist
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