Everyone, even sun worshippers, now knows that you have to slap on sun screen to protect your skin from the sun's rays.

But few realise that your eyes are susceptible to damage from the same ultraviolet (UV) rays that scorch your skin.

"People have got the message about protecting your skin with a sun block but they are not aware of how important it is to protect you eyes,'' explained TB Cancer and Health education director Dorothy Morgan-Swan.

To help raise local awareness amongst adults -- especially parents -- about this issue, June 9 has been designated National Sunglasses Day in Bermuda.

"The earlier children start wearing sunglasses outdoors the better their chances of avoiding major eye health problems later in life,'' Mrs.

Morgan-Swan said.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), children's eyes get exposed to more UV radiation than adults because they spend more time outside.

Studies have shown that UV light can contribute to `snow blindness' (photokeratitis) and cataract degeneration that affects a significant number of older adults.

UV rays can also cause a benign, abnormal growth on the eye's surface which may require surgery if sight is threatened.

While wide brimmed hats and bonnets block about 50 percent of harmful UV radiation from reaching the eyes, Mrs. Morgan-Swan said that caps were still not enough to protect children's delicate eyes.

Citing AOA research, she said that children needed to wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.

"Most sunglasses here in Bermuda will say if they have UVA and UVB protection,'' she explained. "If the sunglasses say that, then it will meet the standards of the American Optometric Association.'' Experts recommend that children's sunglasses be close-fitting to avoid rays from filtering t hrough the sides of the glasses. Larger lenses or wrap-around sunglasses will also help prevent light from filtering into the eye.

"The bright, plastic sunglasses on sale in toy stores are play glasses, they do not offer UV protection,'' she said.

And Mrs. Morgan-Swan reminded the public not to be misled by the price of sunglasses, since it does not reflect the UV protection.

"You can get affordable sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection,'' she said.

"Just take the AOA's advice that if you are in the sun long enough to cause a sunburn, you should be wearing proper sunglasses to protect your eyes,'' she said.

Protect those eyes: Making sure your child wears sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection is the best way to ensure they avoid major eye problems later in life.