Information about sunglasses

Sun’s rays to blame for Eye Damage

It’s commonly known that exposure to the sun can cause skin damage. However, it’s not only the skin that can suffer from the increased levels of ultraviolet radiation to which we are exposed during the summer months; our eyes can be at great risk too.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can be to blame for various eye disorders, including cataracts and even cancer.

UV radiation levels are three times higher in June, July and August than during the winter. Worse still, between 10am and 3pm and at high altitudes such as ski resorts, the levels are amplified.

The Effects of UV Light

Exposure to intense levels of UV light, especially that which is reflected off snow, water or sand, can result in the surface of the eye being burnt, just like the skin. Whilst the burns are usually temporary, they can still produce irritating and uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Swelling of the eyes

• A ‘gritty’ feeling in the eyes

• Excessive watering and blinking

• An inability to handle bright lights

• The possibility of ‘snow blindness’, a form of temporary blindness

However, long term exposure to UV light can have far more dangerous connotations, such as damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, as well as the lens and retina.

This damage can lead to the development of cataracts; cancer of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the eye); and skin cancer of the eyelids.

Research

Additionally, and perhaps more worryingly, research has shown that prolonged exposure to the sun could lead to age-related macular degeneration, a sight-related disorder that can lead to blindness.

The research was carried out at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison, USA. Over 3,600 patients between the ages of 43 and 86 were monitored for five years, and 2,700 for 10 years.

Those participants who spent more than five hours a day in the sun during their teens and thirties and as the study commenced were found to be three times more likely to develop increased retinal pigment, a trait associated with age-related macular degeneration.

These same patients were also found to be twice as likely to develop early age-related macular degeneration over a period of 10 years compared to those who spent less than two hours a day in the sun.

However, and quite importantly, results also showed that those participants who spent the most time in the sun stood around a 50% lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration symptoms when they wore sunglasses and hats for at least half the time spent in the sun.

How to protect the eyes from sun damage

1. Wear sunglasses

The most obvious – and most effective – way to protect the eyes from UV rays.

Choose sunglasses that offer at least 95% UV protection with a lens tint that blocks 80% of transmissible light. Don’t opt for lenses that block any more than 92% of light however, because this can affect the ability to see properly.

Choose a close fitting pair of sunglasses, with lenses that sit close to the eyes. Wrap-around frames prevent light entering the eyes from all angles and make a wise choice for those who will be spending a number of hours in the sun. For holidaymakers, polarised lenses offer the added benefit of reducing glare from water, ski slopes and sand.

Lens colour also makes a difference: grey lenses are ideal for driving because they do not distort primary colours. Green lenses are good on overcast days as they allow the maximum amount of useful light to reach the eyes. For better protection against glare and more pronounced detail, choose brown lenses.

Most prescriptive sunglasses these days have built in UVA and UVB protection. Check for the word filtered on the tag. Transitional lenses that are clear indoors and dark outdoors form another option for the prescription lens wearer.

2. Wear a hat

A broad brimmed hat can further reduce exposure to UV rays by shading the eyes.

3. Wear UV blocking contact lenses alongside sunglasses

UV blocking contact lenses can help protect against the transmission of harmful UV rays to the cornea and inner eye. However, there is no evidence as yet that wearing UV blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or preventing other eye disorders.

These lenses are not a replacement for UV absorbing sunglasses, but, when worn with sunglasses, they can block a large amount of the UV rays that reach the eyes through the open spaces around sunglasses.

4. Minimise exposure to UV rays

Reduce time spent in the sun between 10am and 3pm, and during the summer months. Additionally, avoid sun lamps and tanning beds.

5. Watch what you eat

A diet rich in a variety of fruit and vegetables will provide a boost of antioxidants which can promote good eye health. At times of increased exposure to the sun, such as when on holiday abroad, ensure a good amount of these foods are included in the daily diet.

Many people generally think that sunglasses are only meant to cope up with the stylish fashion accessory in the summer. In fact, sunglasses are extremely important to keep your eyes healthy; as they would safe guard your eyes from bright light and save from UV radiation from the sun. You must keep a absolute pair of sunglasses around, and if you wear glasses in general, then you must get a pair of prescription sunglasses.

Some people make use of sunglasses in the summer as they want to look after the eyes from bright light and glare. Skiers as well like to wear sunglasses and goggles out on the inclines, since the shade from snow could get fairly strong. However, it’s further imperative to wear sunglasses even when it is not bright out, since UV radiation could yet sieve through clouds and fog. You might be thinking of getting two pairs: one pair with enigmatically tinted lenses for summer use, and a pair with milder tinting that yet retain UV protection for the winter.

Cataracts, macular disintegration, and other skin cancers around the eyes have all been associated to UV exposure. These conditions could lead to ultimate blindness also if they are not taken care properly, and they could yet be painful and classy to treat. It’s much improved to just wear sunglasses and defend your eyes. You could as well, of course, look fashionable in the process.

Sunglasses are particularly significant for people who are taking pills that augment compassion to light. Your doctor can suggest you the best if a drug would make you more light-sensitive, and he or she might suggest sunglasses for soothe and eye protection. Children must as well wear sunglasses, since their eyes are further vulnerable to UV radiation. According to Prevent Blindness America, kid’s eyes do not have the more developed UV protection, which adults’ eyes do.

You must additionally take some time when selecting out sunglasses. Find a pair which are comfortable and which sets well with your personal artistic, but as well look for glasses that would filter out at least 99% of UV-A and UV-B rays. Try to find sunglasses that would not deform color, too, since this would keep you more relaxed as you navigate the world. Avoid tiny sunglasses which do not totally guard your eyes and the nearby skin area, and remember not to wear sunglasses at night, particularly when you are driving