Why Is UV Protection Important in Sunglasses?
Sun protection isn’t just about keeping your skin safe; you need to protect your eyes as well. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause a multitude of eye issues if left unchecked. Therefore, it’s important to take precautions against the sun’s harmful effects on your vision.
What Exactly Are UV Rays
All radiation is energy, and the majority of it isn’t visible to us. You may be aware of UV radiation, which comes from the sun. The three main types of UV rays present in sunlight are UVA, UVB, and UVC.
Predominantly, the UV radiation you’re exposed to consists of UVA rays with only a trace amount of UVB. An important distinction between UVB and UVA rays is their wavelength. UVB has a shorter wavelength, so it only reaches the outer layer of the skin, whereas UVA has a longer one and can get to deeper layers of your skin.
How UV Rays Can Harm Your Eyes
Wearing sunglasses can reduce your risk of developing various eye diseases and conditions, such as cataracts, eye cancers, growths on or near the eyes, and more.
Cataracts - A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye. This occurs when protein in the lens breaks down, resulting in objects looking fuzzy, dull, or discolored. Aging is one of the key reasons for this type of vision impairment. But spending too much time outdoors without sunglasses can also be responsible as UV rays can damage your eyes. Therefore, it’s important to wear protective eyewear when outside
Eye Cancers - Cancer of the eye is a malignant growth that originates and develops in the eye. It consists of non-normal cells that increase rapidly and without control. These cancerous cells can move to other parts of the body or invade and ruin tissues. Sunglasses help filter out the harmful UV light that can contribute to this serious health problem
Growths on the Eye - Additionally, those who expose themselves to prolonged midday sunlight, such as surfers, skiers, fishermen, and farmers, may develop growths on the eye like pterygium in their teens or 20s. Similarly, those who spend long hours near rivers, oceans, and mountains are exposed to the same risk
Photokeratitis - Snow blindness, a form of photokeratitis, can be caused by exposure to UV reflections from water, snow, ice, or sand. Being in a high-elevation environment where it’s cold and dry increases your risk of contracting this painful eye condition. Signs of snow blindness can go unnoticed until after the damage has been done. Its symptoms are unpleasant and can range from pain to blurry vision, puffiness, and watering of the eyes
As the summer days get longer, it is essential not just to protect your skin from sun damage but also your eyes. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses is something that should start at an early age so that you can defend your eyes from UV exposure in the long run.
At Highlands Optometry, we can help you find the best protective eyewear for you. Visit our office in Bristol or Wise, Virginia, today or call us at (276) 466-4227 and (276) 679-5612, respectively, to schedule an appointment.
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