As travelers and their families head off to their favorite vacation spots this summer, many may be putting themselves at risk for increased exposure to the sun's dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. Some of the most popular summer vacation destinations, like beaches and islands in warmer climates, are spots that have very high UV indexes. With the increased exposure to UV rays, travelers of all ages need to take the proper precautions to stay protected during their trip.

Transitions Optical offers travelers a tool to help them monitor the daily UV index for their favorite vacation destinations. By visiting www.transitions.com, travelers can type in their location and get daily UV index ratings for every stop on their trip. In addition to the UV index finder, visitors to the site can also find the latest information about how to stay protected from the sun during the summer months.

"Most people know about the need to protect their skin from harmful UV rays, yet few people realize that their eyes are just as vulnerable and should also be protected," said Dr. Larry Lampert, certified optometric physician and developmental/behavioral optometrist. "Because damage from UV exposure is cumulative, the eyes are at great risk for developing vision-threatening conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Even the delicate skin surrounding the eyes can be damaged by prolonged sun exposure and is susceptible to forms of skin cancer, so it's critical to take the proper steps for protection," he added.

Dr. Lampert offers the following everyday steps travelers can take to lessen the threat of UV damage:

-- Check the UV index daily and plan accordingly -- Wear sunscreen/lip balm with SPF protection -- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and combat the effects of the sun's exposure -- Wear a wide brimmed hat and other protective clothing -- Consider photochromic lenses like, Transitions(R) lenses, to protect your eyes from distracting glare and the cumulative impact of the sun's harmful UV rays to the eyes and the sensitive skin that surrounds them

Clear indoors and at night, Transitions lenses automatically become sunglass-dark in the presence of sunlight to improve contrast and reduce glare, while blocking 100 percent of UV rays. Beyond the protection Transitions provide, they also offer travelers the convenience of only having to bring one pair of eyewear on their trip.