Stay sun safe this summer with advice from opticians across Portsmouth area

With some of the highest temperatures ever experienced in the UK having already hit us this summer, it's especially important to stay sun safe during periods of hot, sunny weather – and that includes your eyes, according to the eye health experts at the Specsavers stores in Portsmouth, Portsmouth North End, Cosham, Southsea, and Whiteley.

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 – according to ophthalmic directors Colin Jenkins (Portsmouth & Portsmouth North End, Nicky Thaker (Cosham), Sarab Laute (Southsea) and Lee Johnston (Whiteley).

They explain: ‘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 the UK should bear the UKCA mark or CE mark on the frames. 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 cataracts. Children and young people need to take their eye safety seriously too.

But do you have to sacrifice style to keep your eyes protected. Colin, Nicky, Sarab and Lee say absolutely not.

They continue: ‘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 our stores.’

Specsavers Portsmouth is open seven days a week at 216-218 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 1HG. For more information, or to book an eye test, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/portsmouth or call 023 9229 6959.

Specsavers Portsmouth North End is open six days a week (closed Sunday) at 20 London Road, Portsmouth, PO2 2LN. For more information, or to book an eye test, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/portsmouthnorthend or call 023 9316 2992.

Specsavers Cosham is open seven days a week at 46a High Street, Cosham, PO6 3AG. For more information, or to book an eye test, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/cosham or call 023 9220 5110.

Specsavers Southsea is open seven days a week at 22 Palmerston Road, Southsea, PO5 3QH. For more information, or to book an eye test, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/southsea or call 023 9229 7755.

Specsavers Whiteley is open seven days a week at Whiteley Shopping Centre, Fareham, PO15 7PD. For more information, or to book an eye test, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/whiteley or call 01489 585250.