Published on:
16
June 2008
Provost Derek Stewart will be learning more about eye health on 20th June 2008 when he puts on his sunglasses to join in with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Shades Day.
The Provost will join thousands of people all over the country who will put on their shades, sun visors or sun hats for Shades Day. Research has shown that spending five or more hours outside every day in the summertime during your teens and early adult years increases your risk of long-term damage to the eyes. Therefore the one simple and easy action of putting on your sunglasses, a sun visor or hat will help to protect you from harmful UV sunlight. This helps to reduce your risk from eye conditions such as Age-related Macular Degeneration and cataracts.
Provost Stewart said: "Shades Day is a fantastic way to both raise money for Guide Dogs and to highlight the importance of wearing your sunglasses."
To mark Shades Day Provost Stewart will be meeting Gloria Foxton and her guide dog 'Gorgeous' George at Alloa Railway Station. You are invited to send a photographer 11.30am on Friday 20th June.
Guide dog owner, and Guide Dogs' Director of External Affairs, Tom Pey, said: "Educating people in how to protect their sight is important, and one simple way to keep eyes healthy is to wear your sunglasses. If you are outside and the light is so bright that you have to squint or turn your head away, then you know you have to put on your shades.
"Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be effective. Experts recommend wraparound-style sunglasses marked with Type 2 or 3 and with a CE symbol. To cut out the most damaging blue light, it's best to choose shades with yellowish or amber lenses."
To find out more about Shades Day, please visit the website www.shadesday.org.uk or phone 0845 600 6787 to receive Guide Dogs' free fundraising and information pack.