Ultra Violet Rays and Sunglasses

As the months begin to get warmer or we escape to a warm place to soak in some much-needed vitamin D, we begin to spend more time outside. For many, we don’t think about the harmful UV rays that come with the sun, especially when it’s not scorching out. In this blog, we will discuss how you can be prepared to protect your vision from UV rays.

UV Rays Versus Healthy Vision

While we are usually careful not to look directly into the sun’s light, being outside for long periods can lead to sunburns on our eyes, known as photokeratitis. You may experience symptoms such as light sensitivity, redness, blurry vision, tearing, and a grainy feeling when blinking. Whether you’re relaxing on a sandy beach or skiing on a snowy mountain, photokeratitis can happen in both climates as long as there is sunlight. In snowy areas, it is usually called “snow blindness”.

When exposed to UV rays for a long period of time, it can have cumulative effects on your vision. This risk includes developing sight-threatening conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. Humans can also become more likely to suffer from “surfer’s eye” or pterygium. Pterygium is an overgrowth of the clear tissue of the whites of your eyes towards the iris. It can also cause pinguecula, which are white or yellow bumps that form in the whites of your eyes.

Wear Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyesight from UV Rays

When looking to purchase a new pair of sunglasses, our priority should be to ensure they have full UV protection in the lenses. Your eyewear should block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays to be effective. The size of your lenses is also something to consider. Large lenses offer more coverage and, in turn, lead to more protection. It would be best if you even considered polarized lenses because they eliminate the glare from sunlight that bounces off surfaces around us. These surfaces can include other cars or a body of water or snow.

Other Tips for UV Protection

Besides wearing eyewear to protect your eyes while you are outside during the day, here are some other suggestions to keep your eyes (and skin) safe from the sun:

• Minimize the length of time you spend outside exposed to the sun during its brightest hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Wear a large hat or a hat with a wide brim to shade your eyes and face.
• Wear sunscreen

We Can Help You Find the Perfect Sun Protection Gear!

If you’re looking for a pair of eyewear to protect your vision from the harmful UV rays, our experts at SafeVision are here to help! We offer a wide range of lenses with UV protection fit for any job or sport where they are needed. Visit our website at www.safevision.com or email us at safevision@hoya.com to learn more about your options if you are experiencing symptoms of sun-related eye problems.