What is UV Radiation?

UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. There are three types of UV rays—UVA, UVB, and UVC—but only UVA and UVB rays reach the Earth’s surface. Both UVA and UVB rays can have damaging effects on our eyes if we don’t take precautions. It is important to note that UV rays can help produce Vitamin D, essential to human health.

Overexposure to UV radiation can also cause sunburns, leading to serious health issues like cancer. It’s essential to protect your eyes and your skin!

Effect of UV Rays on Your Eyes

Extended and unprotected exposure to UV rays can lead to many eye-related health problems. Here are some of the conditions:

Cataracts

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can speed up the development of cataracts. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside the eye. They can impair vision and, if left untreated, may lead to blindness. If you take too long to seek treatment, you will likely need surgery to remove the cataracts.

Macular Degeneration

UV radiation brings an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD affects the central part of the retina, leading to blurry or distorted vision and, in severe cases, blindness and irreversible vision loss. AMD is a widespread eye condition. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people 50 or older. Protecting your eyes can reduce the rate at which you develop macular degeneration.

Photokeratitis

Photokeratitis is when your eye gets sunburned. It can be excruciating and occurs after intense exposure to UV rays. Symptoms of photokeratitis can include eye redness, excessive watering and tearing, blurred vision, and an uncomfortable sensation in the eyes. Photokeratitis is usually temporary, but too many occurrences can cause long-term damage. It goes to show how immediately UV rays can damage our eyes.

Pterygia

UV exposure has been associated with the development of a pterygium. A Pterygium is a growth of tissue on the white of the eye. Pterygium can cause discomfort, redness, and even astigmatism if it grows large enough to interfere with vision.

Eye Protection is Important

Now that you know what conditions can develop from too much exposure to UV rays, it’s essential to know why you need proper UV eye protection. 

UV Exposure is Cumulative

It’s important to understand that the damage caused by UV radiation is cumulative over your lifetime. Protecting your eyes from a young age can significantly reduce the risk of developing eye problems later in life. Any children in your life must protect their eyes when they’re outside!

UV Protection is Needed Year Round

UV rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days or when you don’t see the sun. It’s essential to wear sunglasses with proper UV protection regularly, no matter the weather conditions or the season.

How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for UV Protection

When selecting sunglasses for UV eye protection, you must buy something that properly protects you and blocks UV rays. Buying sunglasses is not a situation where you should skimp on quality. There are many factors to consider:

UV Blocking

Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection or 100% of UVA and UVB rays. These sunglasses should be clearly labeled as such. Many of the cheaper options you find at convenience stores don’t provide proper UV ray protection.

High-Quality Lenses

Ensure the lenses are high quality and provide clear vision and protection against harmful rays. You certainly don’t want lenses that make it difficult for you to see. Not only do you need to be protected, but you also want to ensure you stay safe by ensuring your vision isn’t negatively altered.

Coverage and Fit

Look for sunglasses that wrap around your face or have large enough lenses to maximize coverage and minimize UV exposure from the sides. You’ll want to ensure at least that the sunglasses fully cover your eyes. You also want to make sure that your sunglasses fit properly. If they are too loose, they can fall off or provide an opening for the sun. If your sunglasses are too small, they can cause discomfort and not provide enough coverage.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses help reduce glare and provide added visual clarity, especially when driving. They are also extra helpful when the sun is at its brightest, and the level of UV rays is high.