Are you protecting your eyes from UV damage?

Just like your skin, your eyes need protection from UV light and other elements of solar energy. And if you aren’t wearing protective eyewear when you’re out in the sun, the answer to that question is no. Sunrays can be dangerous when they come in the form of UV radiation that the eyes can absorb. Other UV radiation sources include lasers, tanning beds, and welding apparatuses. Therefore, whether you are basking out in the sun or working inside your workshop, your eyes could be at risk of UV damage if not protected.

Types Of UV Radiation

There are three kinds of UV radiation. UV-A and UV-B rays have high energy levels and can reach the earth. They both cause harm to DNA in the skin and can have short- and long-term adverse effects on eyesight. UV-C rays are soaked up by the Earth’s ozone layer and do not present any danger.

Dangers Of UV Radiation

Excessive exposure to UV light can cause an eye sunburn, a condition called photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is a painful inflammation that injures your eyes’ corneas. If the damage caused is not deep or extensive, photokeratitis can be reversible.
However, if the sunburn is severe, it may cause permanent damage to the cornea, resulting in blindness. The following are symptoms of an eye sunburn:

• Eye pain.
• Redness.
• Swelling.
• Blurriness.
• Watery eyes.
• Gritty feeling.
• Twitching eyelids.
• Headache.
• Extreme light sensitivity.

The more your eyes are exposed to UV light, the higher the likelihood of developing macular degeneration or cataracts as you grow older.

Why UV Protection Is Important

It is not certain how much UV light exposure will cause harm, but eye safety matters. It is projected that over 12 million people around the world develop blindness every year from cataracts. WHO expounds that 20 percent of the stated cases are either triggered or heightened by unprotected exposure to the sun.

Taking protective measures to guard your eyes is important for your well-being. Protective eyewear, such as sunglasses or contact lenses that adjust to the light, keeps your eyes safe from possible UV damage.

How Do Sunglasses Or Protective UV Contact Lenses Shield Your Eyes?

It turns out sunglasses are more than just mere accessories in your closet. Not only do they come in various tints and designs, but they also guard your eyes against UV harm. Whether you need sunglasses or photochromic lenses for driving or convenience, there are various kinds of glasses and lenses perfect for different uses.

• For UV protection, look for lenses or sunglasses that do the following:
• Screen out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
• Block 75 to 90 percent of light.
• Have gray lenses for accurate color recognition.
• Contain lenses that have seamless color coordination and are free of misrepresentation and imperfection.

These lenses give the most UV protection, and if you spend lots of time outdoors, consider putting on wraparound frames for extra protection from every angle.

To know more about UV protection, visit Village Optical at our office in New Hyde Park, New York. You can also call (516) 352-2316 to book an appointment today.