Suitcase Packed? – Check
Sunblock for face and body? – Check
Camera, Lenses, and SD Card?- Check
Business Cards? – Check
Sunglasses? – Check
Two absolute must have on my travel list – sunblock and sunglasses whether my destination is the beach, the mountains, or the concrete jungle. Many people have shifted to using a face lotion with sunblock for year round protection, but one thing that we often forget it to protect our eyes. So when I was approached by The Vision Council to participate in an educational briefing geared towards travelers who are often exposed to harmful UV radiation I was intrigued and excited to learn more to share with you. Sure our sunglasses add a little spice and mystery to our outfits, but they also protect our eyes from the sun’s damaging UV rays which is why you should never leave home without them no matter the season or destination. Do you think about the sun’s UV intensity when packing for a trip, or before heading out for the day?
According to a recent report by The Vision Council, “While many Americans realize the importance of sunscreen for skin protection, far less wear sunglasses to shield eyes from the sun’s UV. In fact, 40 percent of U.S. adults do not wear sunglasses while outdoors and more than half of parents do not protect their children’s eyes with sunglasses”. The sun’s UV intensity can not only cause damage to your body, but also to your eyes and the skin around them.
Short Term Consequences of exposure include;
- Photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye)
- Irriation
- Redness
- Swelling
- Hypersensitivity to light
Long Term Consequences of exposure include;
- Premature aging of the skin and sunspots around the eyes
- Pterygium
- Cataracts
- Macular Degeneration
- Cancer of the eye, eyelid, and surrounding skin
Key Tips for Travelers: How to pack the right gear for you, your children, and your adventure.
- Do some research on your destination. The top 5 cities in the world with the highest UV index are San Juan, Honolulu, Miami, Tampa, and Mobile, and Australia is known as the skin cancer capital of the world.
- Remember that the sun is strongest between Noon and 4pm.
- Although you may wear UV coated contact lens you still need protection for the skin around your eyes.
- Invest in UV protective googles for skiing, snowboarding, and snorkeling.
- Sunglasses with wrap around frames are great for areas with high wind.
- Brown, Amber, and Copper lens are especially great for golfers
Sunglasses don’t need to be expensive to provide you with protection, but be aware that always ensure that you are wearing sunglasses with the proper UV protection. When you put your eyes behind dark lenses your eyes dilate and pupils expand to allow more light in, so the proper protection is key. Visit your local sporting goods store or sunglass shop to get help in picking out the proper pair of sunglasses.
Remember the next time you head out on an adventure to check the UV index and don’t forget your sunglasses. Visit The Vision Council at www.thevisioncouncil.org and on Facebook to learn more and share your favorite travel pics wearing your sunglasses
Wishing you safe travels! -xo AGT
*This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of www.thevisioncouncil.org. All opinions are 100% mine.*
A Girl Travels 