You might be fooled into thinking there’s no sunshine on a cloudy day; however, we’re warning of the UV dangers present throughout the autumn and winter months.
The lower position of the sun during the colder seasons presents a direct danger to your eyes. While the sun’s rays are stronger throughout summer, your eyes are more vulnerable to direct UV rays in the autumn and winter months.
Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, commented: “UV rays can burn the surface of the eye – just as it causes sunburn on skin. Up to 80 per cent* of the sun's UV rays penetrate light clouds and can also reflect through clouds.
“UV rays can damage the eye's surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens – leading to corneal sunburn, which can cause temporary loss of vision. You could also be at risk of skin cancer of the eyelid and eye cancer.
“The only defence against these dangers is sunglasses – so even on a cloudy and overcast day, don’t assume your eyes are safe from the sun’s rays.”