Why is it important to protect the eyes from UV-A and UV-B rays?
UV rays (ultraviolet rays) are a form of naturally occurring electromagnetic radiation present in sunlight. They are divided into three categories based on their wavelength: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
UV-C rays are the shortest and most energetic, but they do not reach the Earth’s surface as they are filtered out by the ozone layer in the atmosphere. UV-A and UV-B rays, on the other hand, are capable of reaching the Earth’s surface.
UV-A rays have a longer wavelength and penetrate deeply into the skin, while UV-B rays have a shorter wavelength and are primarily responsible for causing sunburns. Both can cause damage to the skin and eyes if exposed for long periods of time without adequate protection.
It is important to protect oneself from UV rays by using sunglasses and sunscreen with UV protection, especially during peak sun exposure hours.
What does prolonged UV exposure cause to our eyes?
Prolonged exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays can cause various eye damage.
In particular, UV-B rays can cause keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye), and photokeratitis (a kind of corneal sunburn). Long-term repeated exposure to UV-B rays can also contribute to the development of cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a common cause of vision loss in older adults.
UV-A rays can cause premature aging of the retina, increasing the risk of cataracts and AMD. Additionally, UV-A rays can also damage the outer surface of the eye, leading to inflammation of the conjunctiva and iris.
For this reason, it is important to protect the eyes from UV exposure by using sunglasses with lenses that filter both UV-A and UV-B rays, and wearing them even in conditions of indirect or covered sunlight.
Which lenses to choose to protect your eyes from UV rays?
To protect your eyes from the damage caused by UV rays, it is important to choose sunglasses lenses that offer good UV protection. When purchasing sunglasses, it is important to check if the lenses have a label or description indicating the percentage of UV filtration.
High-quality lenses should provide 100% UV protection for both UV-A and UV-B rays, meaning they absorb all harmful UV rays. Polarized lenses can also be useful in reducing glare and improving visual clarity in bright light conditions, such as light reflected off snow or water surfaces.
It is important to choose quality lenses that not only protect the eyes from UV rays but also do not restrict vision or cause eye fatigue. Additionally, you may consider using colored lenses, which can enhance contrast perception and reduce eye fatigue in specific situations, such as intense light or foggy conditions.
