The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses With UV Protection

Protecting your eyes from the sun is vital to maintaining the health of your eyes. UV radiation is harmful to our eyes and can cause permanent damage to our eyes. Luckily, there are many steps you can take to protect your eyes from the sun.

Damage From the Sun

The sun gives off energy that comes in the form of ultraviolet (UV) rays that can be harmful to your entire body. There are two types of UV rays that can cause a variety of eye problems: UV-A and UV-B rays.

UV-A rays: UV-A rays have longer wavelengths at 320-400 nanometers and are less intense than UV-B rays. However, they are much more common and can penetrate through clouds. They also penetrate our skin more easily than UV-B rays, making them extremely dangerous to our eyes.

UV-B rays: UV-B rays have shorter wavelengths at 290-320 nanometers and are less intense than UV-A rays. However, they are the primary cause of sunburn and is most deadly between the times of 10 AM and 4 PM.

The Effect of the Sun On Our Eyes

Most people are aware that UV rays are harmful to the skin and can cause sunburn, but many do not take their eyes into consideration. The fact is that the sun can damage the eyes in different ways, which is why it is so important to wear proper eyewear. Here are only a few problems that harmful UV rays can inflict on our eyes:

Cataracts: The sun’s UV rays can lead to the development of cataracts, which are the clouding of the lens of the eye.

Skin Cancer: Skin cancer can develop around the eyelid from the sun’s harsh rays and most develop on the lower lid. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma account for 5-10 percent of all skin cancers.

Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is the number one cause of vision loss in older Americans. Damage from the sun can increase your risk for macular degeneration.

Photokeratitis: Photokeratitis is a painful inflammation of the cornea. It is sometimes referred to as “snow blindness” for serious cases and can cause temporary blindness for 24-48 hours.

How You Can Protect Your Eyes From The Sun

Fortunately, there are numerous ways that we can protect our eyes from the sun. Follow these tips to protect your eyes from UV rays and sustain your eye health for many years to come:

Sunglasses:  One of the primary ways to protect your eyes from the sun is to invest in a pair of sunglasses that offer superior UV protection.  At rx-safety.com, you can find a variety of different styles of sunglasses for men, women, children, and even babies.

Avoid the Sun Between 10 AM and 2 PM:  During this period, the sun is at its hottest and most dangerous.  Try to avoid going out during these times if possible.

Wear Wide-Brimmed Hats:  In addition to sunglasses, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat.  This will not only protect your eyes, but it will also protect your scalp and face.