UV Protection Eyewear

In today's world, the awareness of ones own health and health issues seems to be a number 1 priority. One of these issues is the damaging effect the sun can have on us. We are all learning the importance of protecting ourselves from ultra violet rays. Whether we're planning to hit the beach, lake or just going to hang out in our backyard, most of us know to slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on plenty of sunscreen. But, what about our eyes? What is the sun doing to them and are we taking the necessary steps to care for them? The foliowing is an informational guide to protect your eyes while having fun in the sun.

What is Ultraviolet light?

The sun is our planet's largest source of light. It produces more light than all the light bulbs put together on earth. Part of this light is invisible to our eyes and is called ultraviolet or UV. Although ultraviolet light is only about 5% of the sun's energy, it is the most hazardous portion that we encounter. Other sources of UV light include fluorescent lighting and welder's flash.

Ultraviolet light causes our clothes to fade, the paint on our houses to dull and our skin to burn. Just as skin can be damaged by too much exposure to ultraviolet light, our eyes can also be damaged over time.

UV radiation is subdivided into three bands. UV-C, UV-B, and UV-A. UV-C is filtered by the earth's ozone layer. UV-B is that portion of solar energy which causes sunburn. This radiation is strongly absorbed by the cornea and crystalline lens of the eye and can cause damage to these tissues such as photokeratitis, pinguecula, pterygium, an cataract. Although UV-A has less energy, it penetrates deeper into the eye and may contribute to cataract and retinal damage.

Why Your Next Pair Of Glasses Should Protect You From Overexposure To Ultraviolet Light

Health Topic: Extended exposure to ultraviolet light can damage the retina and lead to premature aging of the human crystalline lens. Over many years, this aging causes cataracts to form. Using ultraviolet blockers in spectacles may significantly delay or prevent cataract formation and retinal degeneration.

UV and Cataract Formation

Scientific studies have shown that ultraviolet radiation can be a contributing factor in the development of cataracts (clouding of the crystalline lens). The effects of UV exposure to the lens are cumulative, and several epidemiological studies have shown that people who are exposed to greater levels of Ultraviolet light have a greater prevalence of cataracts.

UV and retinal degeneration

Ultraviolet radiation has been shown to damage retinal tissue in laboratory experiments-causing many medical experts to suggest that it may contribute to age related macular degeneration and other retinal disorders.

Age related macular degeneration affects the retina or light sensitive nerve layer in the back of the eye. As the retina degenerates, central or straight ahead vision is lost, as well as color vision. Laser treatments can be used in some cases to help prevent futher loss of vision from this disease, but previous damage is not reversible.

UV protection for your eyes

Eye care experts recommend that people who spend considerable time outdoors wear glasses that transmit 1% or less of the UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Find out more about UV protection lenses for eye glasses and UV protection sunglasses, or come in to one of our Boutiques in Calgary or Regina and enquire more about UV protective lens coatings.

The information provided in this article and elsewhere on this website are for informational purposes only, and should NOT be considered a medical diagnosis or advice. When in doubt, please visit your local optometrist for a complete professional evaluation.