Importance of UV Protection in Sunglasses

Most people are not aware of the health risks posed by UV rays on their eyes every day. You need to understand one crucial fact: Ultraviolet rays from the sun are always present whether it’s sunny or cloudy outside. Therefore, you should protect your delicate eyes by wearing sunglasses, especially in the summer months.

 

What Is Ultraviolet Light?

Do you know what is responsible for the nice tan you develop during the summer months? You get it from ultraviolet light, a type of electromagnetic radiation. However, you need to understand that exposing living tissue to too much UV radiation can cause damage. 

 

The sun releases radiation in waves or particles at different light wavelengths and frequencies. UV light falls in the electromagnetic range between visible light and X-rays. Most of the UV light living organisms encounter comes from the sun.

 

Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB radiation from the sun can be harmful to living tissue. About one-third of the sun’s UV light penetrates the atmosphere. That said, only about 10 percent of sunlight is ultraviolet.

 

Other Sources of UV Radiation

According to the Health Physics Society, there are several different sources of UV radiation. These include tanning booths, blacklight, high-intensity discharge lamps, and fluorescent sources. Others are curing lamps, halogen lights, and some types of lasers.

 

UV Exposure and Eye Health

The easiest way to protect your eyes from UV rays is by wearing the appropriate sunglasses. Radiation from the sun can harm your eyes and increase your risk of corneal sunburn, eye redness, and eye irritation. It can also increase your risk of developing long-term eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and cancer of the eyelids. 

 

Eyelid cancer accounts for between five and ten percent of all cases of skin cancer. That should be enough to make you purchase the appropriate sunglasses to protect your eyes. People with lighter-colored eyes need to wear sunglasses with UV protection. Ultraviolet rays can penetrate lighter-colored eyes more quickly than darker irises. 

 

Why UV Protection Is Important in Sunglasses

UV radiation can damage your lens, cornea, eyelids, and other parts of your eyes. Excessive exposure can also contribute to the development of several different eye conditions. That is why you need to invest in a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection. 

Choosing the Right Sunglasses

The sunglasses you choose should block between 99 percent and 100 percent ultraviolet light. They should also have gray lenses that block at least 75 percent visible light. Choose sunglasses that are free of distortions and imperfections, in addition to being well-matched.

 

Conclusion

If you understand how sunglasses with UV protection can benefit you, you need to go shopping for the best sunglasses. Your eye doctor at Alta Loma Optometric can help you find the right UV sunglasses for your needs. 


 

For more information on the importance of UV protection, contact Alta Loma Optometric at our office in Rancho Cucamonga, California. You can call (909) 787-1760 to book an appointment today.