Sun Danger: Protect your Eyes

In 1989, Timbuk 3 penned the song "The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades." Well every day, millions of people adults and children alike step outside without protecting their vision. Dr. Kimberly Friedman of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physicians visits CN8's "Your Morning" to talk about the dangers and how to protect yourself from harmful ultra-violet rays. According to Dr. Friedman, "UV damage is cumulative over a lifetime and can do the most damage in children under 18."

Damage that can occur

Skin cancer in and around the eye
Cataracts
Macular degeneration
Sunburn or photokerititis
Do you only think about wearing sunglasses in the summer? Dr. Friedman reminds us that winter is hazardous too, "When you're out the snow, it (damage) can happen within an hour. Only 8% of people think to put their kids in sunglasses when they go out to play in the snow."

How to pick the right pair

Fashionable to wear regularly
99%-100% of UVA and UVB blockage
Dark enough to be comfortable in bright light
Protective sunglasses don't have to be expensive