UV rays are the worst, aren't they? They lead to sunburn, cause photo-sensitivity, and trigger premature aging of exposed skin. Uneven complexion, age spots, moles, melanoma, skin cancer—you name it, UV rays lead to it.
Which is why you apply sunscreen before heading out in the sun, use a scarf to cover exposed areas, and take other precautions, all aimed at minimizing UV exposure on the skin and preventing sun damage.
Here's a quick question though: what do you do to protect your eyes? Because continual and uninhibited UV exposure can cause vision loss, albeit temporarily.
Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. UV exposure is equally (if not more) harmful for your eyes as it is for your skin.
How UV Rays Affect Your Eyes
Extended exposure to UV rays is harmful to the skin of your eyelids. But that is just the beginning. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage the structure and functionality of your eyes by hurting the cornea, lenses, and other parts of your eyes. Here are some serious eye conditions caused by UV exposure:
- Cataracts: The clouding of the eye's lenses is the leading cause of blindness in the world and is primarily caused by UVA exposure.
- Macular Degeneration: This deterioration of key parts of the retina is currently incurable and one of the most common causes of blindness, mainly caused by UVB exposure.
- Pingueculae and Pterygia: These are unwanted, unsightly growths on the eye surface, causing both functional and aesthetic problems such as distorted vision and corneal issues, primarily due to UVB exposure.
- Photokeratitis: Often described as 'sunburn' of the cornea and conjunctiva, this painful inflammation can cause vision loss lasting up to 48 hours and is primarily caused by UVB exposure.
Additionally, an October 2008 European study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology found that high-energy visible (HEV) radiations, another type of ultraviolet radiation, increases the risk of retinal damage through macular degeneration. The risk is higher for individuals with low blood plasma levels of antioxidants such as vitamin C.
The Solution: UV-Protection Sunglasses
Quality sunglasses can block 100 percent of ultraviolet radiations, including both high-energy invisible radiations (UVA and UVB) and high-energy visible radiations (HEV), providing much-needed protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
What to Look for in UV-Protection Sunglasses
- Complete UV Protection: Ensure your sunglasses block 100 percent of UVA, UVB, and HEV radiations. Check labels to confirm the level of UV protection provided.
- Wrap-Around Design: For times when you need to spend long hours under the sun, such as at the beach or out in the snow, choose wrap-around UV protection glasses to ensure radiation entering from the sides is blocked as well.
- Polarized Lenses: Opt for polarized lenses to reduce glare and improve visibility while cutting out all ultraviolet rays. These are particularly useful for driving and water activities.
Additional Precautionary Measures
Besides wearing UV-protection sunglasses, it's also a good idea to:
- Wear a Hat: Choose a hat with broad brims to provide extra shade and reduce the amount of UV radiation reaching your eyes.
- Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sunlight hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of UV-related eye damage and enjoy your time outdoors with greater peace of mind.
Protecting your eyes from UV radiation is just as crucial as protecting your skin. So, next time you head out into the sun, don't forget to wear your UV-protection sunglasses and enjoy the day safely!