How can the sun damage your eyes?

Skiing and water sports aren't just dangerous to your knees, but also to your eyes because of both direct and reflected light. Long or intense exposure to sunlight can harm your eyes, because certain wavelengths of light can damage the lens and retina.

Glasses that filter out the "bad" light spectrum (ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B) are essential for those who frequently work or play outside.

UV-B rays are usually filtered through your cornea (and your car windshield), but UV-A rays are not-and exposure to those rays are correlated with cataracts and macular degeneration.

Check labeling to make sure glasses block UV-A rays (inexpensive glasses can block them), or be smart by investing in an optometrist or optician visit to have the UV protection measured to make sure the coating on the glasses is adequate to block out harmful rays.