As the temperatures warm and kids head outdoors to play, UAB optometrist Leo Semmes, O.D., said that when it comes to sun
protection, “the younger, the better.” Damaging effects to the eyes from exposure to sunlight is cumulative, and most of us
have reached up to 50 percent exposure by the time we are 18. But by protecting eyes with sunglasses and brimmed hats, we can
block much of the sun’s damaging UV rays. How young, you ask? “As young as you can keep them on ’em,” Semmes said. “I have
friends who send me pictures of their infants wearing sunglasses and hats. ‘See, we were listening to you,’ they always tell
me.”
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