In the cloudy winter months, it’s difficult to imagine the sun’s rays as anything but a welcomed change. But did you know the sun’s rays can also be harmful to your eyes? Ultraviolet light produced by sunlight is responsible for several vision problems, including snow-blindness, cataracts, and numerous degenerative eye conditions. The best way to protect yourself from these harmful effects is to always wear eye protection.
Ultraviolet light is light beyond the spectrum of light that is visible to the human eye, similar to x-rays or infrared light. It comes in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Earth’s atmosphere filters out almost all UVC and much of the UVB light, meaning the majority of UV rays we encounter are UVA. Indeed, UVA is in part beneficial to human beings, as it is required source for vitamin-D production in the skin. However, overexposure to any or all UV rays can lead to advanced aging, skin cancer, or just good old sunburn.
When it comes to your eyes, however, UV rays are very damaging. Most eye care professionals recommend wearing sunglasses whenever you are going to see a prolonged exposure to UV rays. And, since UV rays penetrate our atmosphere even on the cloudiest days, having proper eye protection is always a must. It’s difficult to believe that light we can’t see can be damaging to our eyes, but UV rays, whether directly from the sun, or even by reflection, pose a significant risk to our vision.
The peak hours for UV ray penetration are between 10 AM and 3 PM, when the sun is at its apex. Other factors increase risk, as well. Due to their unique atmospheric qualities, higher altitudes and locations closer to the equator see higher UV levels. You should consider all these factors when you know you have to be out in the sun for an extended period.
But, since most of us don’t really have a choice regarding sun exposure – after all, most of us don’t live and work in caves – having proper eye protection is vital. When choosing sunglasses, make sure they guarantee UV protection up to 98% (or to 400nm). Glass is largely transparent to UV rays, so plastic or composite lenses tend to be a better choice. If your glasses have been coated in a UV filter material, they are even safer.
No matter what time of year, UV rays are always present. Although they tend to penetrate the atmosphere more during the warm summer months, they are also a risk during winter. Snow reflects UV rays, essentially letting them do twice the damage. Being aware of the risks of UV exposure is the first and most important step to protecting your eyes. But, with quality protective eyewear year-round, you can enjoy the warm, healthy sunshine carefree.
You have to look good in your sunglasses. There is no question about that. After all, they sit right in the middle of your face! And while they are on, your sunglasses are probably the first thing that somebody else notices on your face. But of course, to look good in a pair of sunglasses, you don't need to go out and spend a bundle on them. From a simple trip to a pharmacy, department store or superstore, to a quick search online, it's easy to see that you can find yourself an eye-catching pair of sunglasses at a reasonable price.
But looks aren't everything! Sunglasses serve an important purpose, besides shading your eyes and complementing your good looks. They guard your eyes and your vision from the dangerous ultraviolet, or UV, rays of the sun. Just as these UV rays can cause sunburn, sunspots, and skin cancer on the rest of your body, these harmful UV rays can also damage your eyes.
One type of UV light in particular UVBs can cause temporary blindness with a condition called photokeratitis, or snow blindness. Photokeratitis occurs when your cornea gets burned by the Ultraviolet B rays. The damage and pain can last up to 2 days. Long-term exposure to UV rays can also be responsible for macular degeneration, cataracts, or skin cancer around the eyelids if your eyes are not protected outdoors.
Sunglasses are meant to protect your eyes from these harmful effects of the sun. But not all discount brand sunglasses do the trick. It is important to consider whether or not a pair of sunglasses can adequately block out UV rays. Check the labels on the sunglasses before you buy them. All sunglasses should block out 99-100% of UV rays.
In addition to protecting your eyes and filtering out UV rays, sunglasses should also reduce glare and be comfortable to wear. Sunglasses containing polarized lenses are especially great for reducing glare, and are popular with outdoorsman for activities like fishing and boating. The color of your sunglasses lens may also reduce glare. Brown, Amber, Yellow and Red lenses reduce more glare than other lens tints.
Nothing is finer than being outside on a sunny spring or summer day, soaking up the rays, playing in the water, or having a family picnic. So just remember to wear adequate clothes, sunscreen and your sunglasses. One last thing to consider before buying your discount sunglasses; they may be worth your while because when you lose them, it won't hurt your wallet so much!
Both Angie Stocklin & are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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