Ultraviolet (UV) glare is especially dangerous during hazy sun conditions because people don’t think they need sunglasses. In fact, there is risk of up to 85 percent of UV rays being reflected upward and that leads to sunburn of the eyes or photokeratitis. In addition, UV rays contribute to the development of cataracts and are thought to be a factor in diseases such as macular degeneration as well.
UV radiation is made up of invisible rays from the sun. The three bands of UV light are: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVB rays are the most worrisome. They burn the skin and cause damage to the eyes. UVA rays are absorbed primarily within the eye’s lens, and research suggests that they are not as harmful as UVB. UVC rays are not a problem because they are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth's surface.
The Optometrics Association recommends the following to protect your eyes from the sun:
- Good UV protection doesn't have to be expensive. OA recommends that sunglasses offer 99-100 percent UV protection. These levels can be found all along the price spectrum. Look for sunglasses with the Seal of Acceptance or have the UV level tested by an optometrist.
- UV damage is cumulative. Children should be encouraged to wear sunglasses beginning in infancy whenever they are out in the sun. Their eyes are most susceptible to UV damage because the eye's lens has not yet begun to cloud.
- Wondering what color lenses to choose? Gray lenses don't modify colors. Green and brown are also good choices.
- Ask for a UV coating on your glasses. Some brands of contact lenses also offer some degree of UV protection, but they won't fully protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses over them.
- Give yourself additional protection and style by wearing a broad-brimmed hat to block out even more UV radiation, which is present year-round and can be reflected off winter snow as well as summer sidewalks.
- Light eyes have less pigmentation and are thus more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV radiation just as lighter skin is.
- Two appearance-related appeals: High-fashion frames can be fitted with lenses that offer adequate UV protection. Also, wearing sunglasses not only keeps the sun from damaging the skin around your eyes, it cuts down on squinting, which helps stave off fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
The OA recommends people of all ages wear sunglasses in the winter months, too. Protective eyewear should block out 100 percent of UV radiation, and polarized lenses are especially beneficial because they reduce glare. This is an especially important safety factor in driving, for example. Contact lens wearers should also use sunglasses even if their contact lenses include UV blockers.
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