The right pair of sunglasses can be an essential tool for protecting your eyes from UV radiation. To be effective, sunglasses must block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. The way sunglasses fit is also important; the frame’s nose bridge should rest close to the face to ensure optimal protection. Additionally, sunglasses should be large enough to shield the eyes fully.

Contrary to popular belief, expensive sunglasses do not necessarily provide better UV protection. The focus should be on finding lenses that offer 100% UV blocking capabilities. Wraparound frames are particularly effective, as they prevent light from entering from the sides.

Polarized Lenses: A Nice Add-On, Not a Substitute

Polarized lenses are often confused with UV protection, but they serve a different purpose. Polarization reduces glare by filtering light, especially when reflected off surfaces like water or roads. While this feature can make your vision clearer and reduce eye strain, it does not replace the need for UV-blocking lenses. In other words, polarized lenses can enhance your visual experience, but UV protection is still essential.

Do Contact Lenses Offer UV Protection?

Some soft contact lenses are designed to absorb UV light, but they don’t provide complete protection. Pairing UV-absorbing contacts with sunglasses is the best way to block harmful rays. However, even the best-fitted contacts can’t shield the entire eye, so sunglasses remain crucial for total protection.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, emitted by the sun, is something we’re exposed to every time we step outside. This radiation can be classified into two types: UVA and UVB rays, both of which have the potential to cause significant damage to our skin and eyes. Although sunburns and tanning are commonly associated with UV exposure, the dangers extend far beyond, posing risks to our long-term health, including increased chances of developing skin cancer and eye diseases.

The Two Faces of UV: UVA and UVB Rays

UVA rays are known for their ability to penetrate deep into the skin, contributing to premature ageing and wrinkling. Meanwhile, UVB rays are more intense and responsible for causing sunburns. However, both UVA and UVB can damage the skin and eyes, changing the structure of cells and increasing the risk of developing eye conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

Peak Times for UV Exposure

The time of day plays a critical role in how much UV exposure you receive. For skin, the most dangerous hours are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. Interestingly, the risk to your eyes is greater in the early morning (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.) and later afternoon (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.) because the sun is lower in the sky, giving your eyes a more direct hit from harmful rays.

UV Damage to the Eyes: Serious Risks

UV radiation can cause several types of damage to the eyes, some of which are more serious than others. Among the most significant risks are:

• Cataracts: A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens, which is essential for focusing light onto the retina. While cataracts are often a natural part of ageing, prolonged UVB exposure accelerates the development of this condition. Research suggests that appropriate UV protection could prevent about 5% of cataracts.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Long-term exposure to sunlight is believed to increase the risk of AMD, which is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. This eye disease affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.
• Eye Cancers: Eyelid and intraocular cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and uveal melanoma, are associated with high levels of UV exposure. These conditions can be severe, resulting in vision impairment or even loss.
• Corneal and Conjunctival Damage: Essentially a sunburn for the eye, damage to the cornea and conjunctiva is painful and can cause temporary blindness. Conditions like photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis occur when UV exposure leads to inflammation and irritation of the eye’s outer layers.

The Danger of Photochemical Burns

One of the most dangerous outcomes of UV exposure is a photochemical burn, which can lead to blindness. Looking directly at the sun can cause irreversible damage in less than a second. This damage occurs when UV radiation generates free radicals in the retina, which then destroy light-detecting cells.

Stay Protected Under the Sun

With all the potential risks associated with UV exposure, protecting your skin and eyes is more important than ever. Whether it’s wearing the right sunglasses, avoiding peak sun hours, or pairing UV-blocking contacts with glasses, there are many ways to shield yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. Remember, prevention today can save your eyesight and skin in the long run.