Whenever you work or play outdoors, you should wear a brimmed cap and eyewear that blocks UV rays. It is common knowledge that UV rays damage our skin.  Few know that the sun's UV rays can lead to a number of eye problems.  One of them being macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss for older americans.  UV rays can also some kinds of cataracts.  UV rays can come from many different directions.  They radiate from the sun, but they are also reflected from the ground, water, snow, sand and other bright surfaces.  Eyewear that absorbs UV rays gives you the most protection. All types of eyewear, including prescription and non-prescription glasses, contact lenses and lens implants, should absorb UV-A and UV-B rays. For UV protection in everyday eyewear, there are several options like UV-blocking lens materials, coatings and photochromic lenses. UV protection does not cost a lot of money and does not get in the way of seeing clearly.