Sunglasses and Eye Health: The Importance of UV Protection

Protecting your eye health from the harmful effects of the sun will help ensure that you maintain optimal eyesight and eye health. UV rays are harmful to the eyes, and long-term exposure can lead to severe eye conditions.

Wearing polarized sunglasses while outdoors will help protect your eyes. It is vital to invest in a quality pair of UV protection sunglasses. It is helpful to learn about sunglasses, eye health, and the importance of UV protection.

Protecting the Eyes From UV Rays

The eyes are sensitive organs susceptible to damage when exposed to sunlight. The sun’s rays can cause harm even on cloudy days. Long-term UV exposure can lead to cataracts and increase the risk of developing serious eye diseases like macular degeneration.

UV radiation can harm the macula, the back part of the eye that allows people to see details. UVB causes damage to the front of the eye, mainly the cornea and lens. Wearing sunglasses can help block the rays, preventing entry into the eyes.

Conditions Caused by UV Damage

UV rays can increase the risk of getting certain eye diseases and conditions. Photokeratitis is a condition caused by a high amount of UV exposure within a short time. The eye sunburn can be caused by rays reflecting off snow, water, sand, and ice.

It results in eye redness, pain, blurriness, light sensitivity, grittiness, tearing up, and seeing halos. Other conditions caused by UV rays are cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, and eyelid cancers.

Avoiding Poor-Quality Sunglasses

It is vital to realize that sunglasses differ in quality and effectiveness. Many cheap drugstore sunglasses do not offer much protection for the eyes. The poor-quality sunglasses can do more harm than good. They are tinted, but they do not block the harmful UV rays.

The dark tint causes pupil dilation as the eyes perceive the darker environment. The dilated pupils allow more UV radiation to enter the eyes. You must ensure you invest in sunglasses that offer 100 percent UV protection.

Choosing the Best Sunglasses

Choosing sunglasses that offer UV protection is vital. When shopping for sunglasses, look for tags or labels that indicate UV-blocking qualities. The lenses should provide 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.

Look for sunglasses that have anti-reflective treatment on the back of the lens. Almost 50 percent of UV radiation gets into the eyes from reflective surfaces. The best sunglasses have large frames to provide full coverage. They protect not just the eyes but also the delicate skin around the eyes. Wraparound glasses offer the best protection.

Dark Color vs. UV Protection

Sunglasses are available in all styles and sizes. When shopping for new sunglasses, do not think about the color and cost. Dark-colored sunglasses do not necessarily provide the best protection, and good-quality sunglasses do not have to be unaffordable.

A dark tint can fool someone into thinking that sunglasses protect the eyes when they do not. It is also crucial to get sunglasses that fit well to prevent light from getting in through the spaces. Look for sunglasses that meet the specific standards; It is best to let the experts at your eye doctor's office help find the best fit and type for you.  This will ensure ultimate comfort and protection. 

You must wear your sunglasses whenever you are outdoors, even on cloudy days. Purchasing your sunglasses from an optometrists office will help ensure that you get the best quality.

For more about the importance of UV protection, call Perceptions Eye Health & Wellness at (910) 400-1215 for our office in Southport, North Carolina.