When you work outdoors...

Protecting your eyes from too much sunlight is important every time you are outdoors!

Sunlight can damage the delicate tissues of your eyes.  As a result, over time, there may be changes in your eyes and your vision because your body cannot always repair the damaged eye tissue.  The more often your eyes are exposed to sunlight without protection, the higher the chance you have of developing eye problems, such as cataracts, later in life.

Eye problems from too much exposure to sunlight can be prevented.  Protect you eyes when working outdoors:

• Use UV blocking sunglasses or safety eyewear.
• Wear a hat (or hard hat) with a wider brim (8 cm/3 inch brim if possible).

When choosing a pair of sunglasses, make sure they:

• block out both UVA and UVB radiation;
• are free of distortion (lines in a rectangular pattern such as floor tiles should stay straight when moving your head up and down or side to side);
• have lenses that are a medium to dark gray, green or brown in colour (be aware that the darkness of the lens does not indicate the amount of UV protection);
• fit snugly to your face (even when perspiring); and
• have wrap-around frames for additional protection

Note 1: Some Provincial Ministries of Labour are recommending to use UV blocking sunglasses or safety glasses that meet the "special purpose" requirements of the Canadian Standard for Nonprescription Sunglasses (Z94.5-95).

Note 2: A clear UV protective coating can be put on prescription eyeglasses.  Discuss with your eye doctor.

Note 3:  Sunglasses should be worn when using contact lenses even if the lenses have a UV blocking feature.

Be sure to have regular complete eye examinations.  It is and excellent way to check your eye health, maintain good vision and keep informed about new and better options to protect your eyes from too much sunlight.

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