THE Met Office has issued an urgent warning over “cheap accessories” that do NOTHING to protect you from the sun – as the UK heads for a 43C heatwave next week.
Brits should beware of what sunglasses they buy if they’re planning to soak up some rays in the blistering heat.
Brits flocked to soak up some rays in Finsbury Park today[/caption]
Sunseekers must wear proper protective eyewear in the sun’s harsh rays[/caption]
Tourists flocked to Brighton Beach on Saturday as temperatures soared[/caption]
Wearing a cheap pair of sunglasses could damage your eyes as they hardly protect you from harsh UV rays.
Excessive sun exposure could put you at risk of developing cataracts, skin cancer and may even lead to blindness.
So as temperatures rise into next week, experts are begging Brits to buy proper eyewear with UV protection and, if possible, wraparound coverage – instead of cheap shades.
Greg Dewhurst, Met Office senior meteorologist, said: “UV can damage your eyes just like it damages your skin.
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“They have to be UV protective sunglasses – the cheaper ones are usually not.
“Wraparound just means the sun doesn’t usually come
through the side of the glasses.”
Britain could be bracing for the hottest day ever recorded next week when the mercury may hit a staggering 43C.
The sweltering conditions would “obliterate” the UK’s previous record of 38.7C measured at Cambridge Botanic Garden in July 2019.
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Shocking models from America indicate the potential for a 43C scorcher next weekend.
Met Office forecaster Steven Keates said: “We’re in for a real rollercoaster which may take people by surprise.
“Next weekend we could have some really exceptional record-breaking heat and it will ramp up suddenly — like someone has turned on the gas.
“Some models from America indicate we could see 43C in East Anglia next Sunday, which would obliterate the current UK record.
“At the moment we’ve got quite pleasant dry heat, but next weekend the dew point will rise and it will become very hot and sticky.”
As Brits flock to beaches, parks and pub gardens, looking after your eyes is more important than ever.
Sunglasses that are safe against the sun will be marked with the CE Mark and British Standard Mark 12312-1:2013 E.
Contact lenses with a UV filter are not enough protection from the burning sun.
Eye safety should not be Brits’ only concern in the oncoming heatwave as experts are issuing stark advice to sunseekers.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have warned schools and parents to avoid letting children undertake “vigorous physical activity” when temperatures exceed 30C.
It said children should also be kept out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when it is hottest.
Sunbathers have also been advised to familiarise themselves with the risk of heatstroke.
The illness often starts as heat exhaustion, which develops over hours or several days of exposure to high temperatures and a lack of fluids.
Studies even suggests drownings increase by 70 per cent during a heatwave, so lifeguards around the country’s coastline are urging swimmers to be careful.
Last year, 277 people died as a result of accidental drowning. according to the Local Government Association (LGA).
It’s an increase in 23 deaths (36 per cent) from the previous year.
LOOKING AFTER YOUR EYES IN HOT WEATHER
Mr Raja Das-Bhaumik from Moorfields Eye Hospital recommended:
- When buying sunglasses always look for the UV 400 mark to ensure they will protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays,
- Look for the CE mark which indicates the sunglasses meet European standards,
- Contact lenses with a UV filter do not offer full protection from the sun,
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am-3pm when UV rays are most harmful.
Londoners donned their fashionable eyewear to bask in the rays[/caption]
The Met Office has issued stark warnings about staying safe in the sun[/caption]
As well as the risk of eye damage, Brits can easily suffer sunburn or heatstroke[/caption]
And drownings increase by 70% as the weather gets warmer[/caption]
