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Bright sunshine is not only dazzling, it can also cause long term damage to your eyes. Sunglasses protect you from glare and also from harmful ultraviolet light, which can cause cataracts and may be linked to macular degeneration. Children are vulnerable to UV because they have larger pupils and clearer lenses in their eyes.

When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that have the “CE” Mark or British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013, which ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection. A common misconception about sunglasses is that the darker lens, the more protection they offer. There are a variety of tints available for sunglasses, so you can choose one to suit you. If you are out in the sun for long periods, you may want to consider wraparound sunglasses for greater protection. And don’t forget – a wide-brimmed hat offers great protection, too!

If you already wear glasses, you can attach ‘clip-ons’ or ‘flip ups’ to them. These are tinted lenses that attach to the frame of your glasses and can removed or ‘flipped’ when not needed. You can also have sunglasses made to your prescription or have glasses with photochromic lenses, which change colour according to light conditions.