A new survey has revealed that people across the City of Bath are exposing their unprotected eyes to dangerous amounts of UV light during the summer months.
Former Olympic skier Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, the Mayor of Bath and local optician posed with giant eye mascots The Protectors in Bath on Thursday to highlight the danger of the sun.
The Think About Your Eyes campaign found that people in the South West are exposing themselves to an average of 1 hour and 19 minutes of sunlight every day, five times over the safe daily limit recommended by experts*, and damaging their vision despite just under half (46.67%) knowing the dangers.
Eddie shared his reasons for getting involved. He said: “There’s nothing better than being out in the sun but it’s also important that people remember to look after their sight.
“That’s why we’re here – to help people become more sun savvy when it comes to their eyes. People may not realise that, even on cloudy days, they are still exposed to damaging UV rays.
“Something as simple as making sure the lenses of your sunglasses or glasses are UV protected can really make a difference.”
Giant eye mascots, “The Protectors”, are travelling around the country this summer as part of the Think About Your Eyes campaign’s awareness raising efforts.
The Protectors were handing out information to city workers and shoppers in Bath throughout the afternoon.
Local optometrist, Hannah Armstrong from Cutler & Gross in Bridge Street shared her thoughts on the campaign.
“People may not think that exposure to UV is a big problem in the UK but in July it takes just 15 minutes to exceed the UV exposure limit for one eight hour day.
“According to the Met Office today’s UV levels in Bath stand at 7, which is considered high.
“The message seems to be sinking in about protecting our skin but we are still guilty of neglecting our eyes. Damage from UV rays builds up over time and is irreversible, contributing to serious eye diseases which can result in a dramatic loss of vision.”
“It’s important to remember that UV rays can reach us even on overcast days so wearing sunglasses during the summer months is essential.
“What people may not realise is that they can also get UV protection built into their prescription lenses. Just as you’d check the SPF on your sunscreen, ask your local optician about the E-SPF on your spectacles.
“Taking action now can help save your sight in the long term and that’s why we’re encouraging everyone to check their level of UV risk by using the E-SPF UV Riskometer at thinkaboutyoureyes.co.uk”
Alongside Eddie, the Think About Your Eyes campaign is backed by independent opticians across the UK and the British Skin Foundation – which shares a mutual goal of raising awareness of the dangers of UV light.
