Protection from the sun
Like all great things, the powerful and resourceful energy of the sun has a flip side to it. The ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted from the sun could cause serious damage to the human eye, with maladies ranging from cataracts, cancer of the eyelids, macular degeneration, corneal burns, benign growths and solar retinopathy. Harmful as they are, UV rays are even more intense during the hot summer months, especially at noon.

The skin has a capacity to adapt to UV radiation by producing melanin (which results in a tan) that protects against UV exposure. The human eye does not have such a capacity, but becomes more sensitive with repeated exposure. Reflective UV light, or glare from water, sand, snow or even the road, can have a debilitating effect on the eye. Here are some things you can do.

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun
For safety purpose, eye care professionals suggest wearing sunglasses that filter 99-100 percent of UV radiation. Ideally these glasses should block both UV-A & UV-B. However, sunglasses do not provide complete UV ray protection as a lot of peripheral light leaks around the lenses can still affect the eyes

Use contact lenses to protect eyes from sunlight
Technological advancement in the eye care industry has resulted in the development of contact lenses that absorb UV rays to a large extent. However, contact lenses are not a foolproof solution to protect yes from UV rays as they do not provide protection to the outer surfaces of the eye. The American Optometry Association (AOA) recommends the combined usage for sunglasses and UV blocking contact lenses to get maximum protection from UV rays that reach the cornea and get into the eye.

Wear hats or use umbrellas
In addition to the above eyewear, protective gear such as wide-rimmed hats and umbrellas should be taken along during summers.

All sports goggles and glasses should be made with polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are much stronger than regular lenses and have the best impact resistance of any lens material. Polycarbonate lenses are actually constructed out of material that is identical to what is called "bulletproof glass." They also have built-in ultraviolet (UV) protection to protect the eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

Each sport has a certain type of recommended protective eyewear, determined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). High-risk sports that require protective eyewear include basketball, baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, fencing, paintball, water polo, racquetball, soccer and downhill skiing. Whatever game you play, protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear.

Fireworks eye safety
In the United States, 43 states plus the District of Columbia allow some or all types of consumer fireworks. The states that ban all consumer fireworks are Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

• Of the approximately 8,000 fireworks-related injuries each year in the United States, approximately 2,000 are eye injuries caused by consumer fireworks. About one-third of these injuries result in permanent eye damage and one-fourth in permanent vision loss or blindness. Nearly one in 20 victims loses all useful vision or requires removal of the eye.
• 40 percent of all eye injuries caused by consumer fireworks are inflicted on bystanders.
• Three-fourths of all fireworks-related eye injuries are to boys between the ages of 13 and 15.
• The most dangerous type of firework is the small, explosive bottle rocket, which flies erratically, causing bystander injuries. The bottles and cans used to launch them often explode, showering fragments of glass and metal. According to the United States Eye Injury Registry, in 2000, 67% of injuries were from bottle rockets, 7% from firecrackers, 4% from Roman candles, and 22% were either unknown or other fireworks.
• Sparklers, often given to young children, burn at 1800 degrees Fahrenheit - a temperature hot enough to melt gold.
• Fireworks are classified in two categories: "display" and "consumer." These categories were assigned by the U.S. Department of Transportation based on the United Nations' Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. "Display fireworks" are devices used by park districts for public exhibition. In 1966, the federal government outlawed all display fireworks from interstate commerce for private use and also began to regulate the manufacture and sale of devices sold to the public. "Consumer fireworks" are any small devices commonly bought over the counter. Ground fireworks, such as firecrackers, have a maximum allowable charge of 50 milligrams of gunpowder. Aerial devices, such as bottle rockets, have a maximum allowable charge of 130 milligrams of gunpowder. Other types of consumer fireworks are sparklers, fountains and snakes.

• Always read and follow label directions
• Always have an adult present
• Only by from reliable fireworks sellers
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors
• Be sure to have water handy
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
• Light only one at a time
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Dispose of fireworks properly
• Never throw fireworks at another person
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

Have a safe and happy summer!