WITH some of the highest temperatures ever experienced in the UK having already hit us this summer, it’s never been more important to stay sun safe – and that includes your eyes, according to the eye health experts at Specsavers Harlow.

That’s because sunlight contains many different types of light rays, including invisible, high-energy rays called ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure to UV rays can have a negative impact on your vision — especially if you aren’t protecting your eyes correctly.

Neha Patel, Ophthalmic Director at Specsavers Harlow explains: ‘You should always be looking to protect your eyes in the sun, in the same way you would your skin.

‘Even a relatively short time exposed to harmful UV rays could lead to something called photokeratitis – a type of sunburn to the outer layer of the cornea. Symptoms can include red and swollen eyes, although this is normally temporary.

‘Perhaps more worrying is the damage that UV rays can do to your eyes over time. Long-term exposure can increase the risks of eye conditions like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and also of some types of eyelid cancer.

‘The good news is that you can give your eyes a better chance of staying healthier for longer by wearing a good-quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection.’

When buying a pair of sunglasses, whether they are prescription sunglasses or not, it’s important to make sure that they have the correct markings.

All sunglasses sold in Great Britain should bear the UKCA mark on the frames, while those sold in Northern and Southern Ireland – and the EU – should be marked CE. Both markings mean that the sunglasses have been assessed against stringent safety standards.

And, while it’s important that everyone protects their eyes from UV damage, doing so is even more important for people with certain eye conditions, like photophobia and glaucoma. Children and young people need to take their eye safety seriously too.

But do you have to sacrifice style to keep your eyes protected? Neha says absolutely not.

Neha continues: ‘When buying a new pair of sunglasses, style is important – but far less important than them providing the maximum protection they can. Fortunately our sunglasses provide the best of both worlds, and are available in own brand and designer styles to suit every pocket. Why not pop in and check out the range available in store.’

Specsavers Harlow is open seven days a week at Unit 58-60 Harvey Shopping Centre, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1XR. For more information, or to book an eye test, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/harlow or call 01279 410888.