What are UV Rays?

UV radiation, or UV rays, is a type of electromagnetic radiation that can come from artificial sources and the sun. UVA, UVB, and UVC are three types of UV rays. With that being said, only UVA and UVB rays actually reach the surface of the Earth. If we’re not careful, UVA and UVB rays can severely damage our eyes. UV rays aren’t all scary. They help with the production of Vitamin D, which all humans need for better health. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can result in sunburns and even give rise to grave health conditions like cancer. Properly protecting your eyes is one the most important things we can do to maintain our health.

What Can UV Rays Do to Your Eyes?

Several eye conditions can result from extended and unprotected exposure to UV rays:

Photokeratitis

Photokeratitis is a sunburn of the eyes. It is caused by prolonged exposure to intense UV rays. Photokeratitis symptoms can include severe pain, eye redness, excessive watering, tearing, blurred vision, and an uncomfortable sensation in the eyes. Photokeratitis is temporary but can cause long-term damage if it occurs numerous times.

Pterygia

A pterygium can develop with prolonged exposure to UV radiation. A pterygium is a growth of tissue on the white of the eye. It can cause discomfort, redness, and even astigmatism if the pterygium grows large and interferes with your vision.

Cataracts

If your eyes are frequently exposed to UV rays, cataracts can develop more quickly. Cataracts cloud your eyes and can impair your vision. You can eventually become blind if your cataracts aren’t properly treated. If you take too long to seek treatment, you will likely need surgery to remove the cataracts.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that primarily affects the central area of the retina, resulting in vision problems such as blurred or distorted vision. Severe cases of AMD can even lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness. Research suggests that UV radiation is closely associated with an increased risk of developing AMD. AMD is a common eye condition, particularly among individuals aged 50 years or older. It is a leading cause of vision loss. There are steps you can take to prevent AMD from developing. By adopting proper eye protection practices, you can effectively reduce the rate at which AMD progresses.

Good Eye Protection is Key

Proper UV protection will go a long way in keeping your eyes healthy. 

UV Exposure is Cumulative

To minimize the risk of developing eye problems later in life, it is crucial to understand that UV radiation damage accumulates over time. It is crucial to protect your eyes from a young age. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the eye protection of children whenever they are outdoors.

Protect Yourself Year Round

When you’re outside during the day, you’re always near UV rays no matter what. They are present year-round, even when it is cloudy outside. Make sure to wear sunglasses with proper UV eye protection all year! Don’t let cloudy skies deceive you if you’re going to be outside for extended periods.

What Sunglasses are Best for UV Protection?

It’s important that you don’t just buy stylish sunglasses. You need to make sure you buy a pair that will keep your eyes safe. You can buy glasses that protect you and look good at the same time:

UV Blocking

For sunglasses to keep your eyes safe, they need to have 100% UVA and UVB ray protection. Sunglasses you find for cheap at convenience stores most likely won’t provide the protection your eyes need.

High-Quality Lenses

You’ll want your sunglasses to provide clear vision and also protect you against harmful rays. Not only is UV ray blocking important to keep your eyes safe, but having clear vision is another important safety aspect.

Coverage and Fit

To optimize protection against UV exposure, consider searching for sunglasses that either have a wrap-around design or feature large lenses. These styles will do a good job of letting the sun’s rays get into your eyes. Additionally, it is important to ensure your sunglasses fit your face. Loose-fitting sunglasses may fall off easily or create gaps that allow sunlight to penetrate. You’ll also want to avoid glasses that are too small. If they are too small they might not fully cover your eyes.

Polarized Lenses

When it comes to preventing glare and enhancing visual clarity, especially when driving, polarized lenses are your best choice. These lenses effectively reduce glare and provide additional clarity, especially during peak sunlight and UV ray conditions.