UV Rays and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
You probably know that spending time in the sun can do wonders for your mood and overall well-being. But did you know it’s just as important to protect your eyes as it is to protect your skin? While those beautiful UV rays help light up your day, they can also have a surprising impact on your eye health. Luckily, safeguarding your eyes is simple and can even be stylish!
Know your ABCs
UV rays come from the sun in 3 forms: UVA, UVB and UVC. Here’s what you need to know about each one:
- UVC: The shortest wavelength and the most intense. Thankfully, the Earth’s atmosphere already filters these out, so they don’t reach your eyes.
- UVA and UVB: These two can affect your skin and eyes. UVA rays can penetrate your eye, reaching the retina at the back, while UVB rays reach the surface of your eyes where your cornea is.
How does UV exposure affect your eyes?
You’ll know that too much sun can irritate and burn your skin, but did you know your eyes can experience something similar?
Short-term excessive exposure to UV rays can cause photokeratitis, which is essentially like having temporary sunburnt eyes, while cumulative exposure to UV rays over the years may lead to the development of various eye conditions later in life:
- Cataracts: These happen gradually and cause the natural lenses in your eyes to become cloudy, typically in individuals over the age of 60.
- Macular degeneration: This condition affects the macula at the back of your eye, which is responsible for central vision. It gradually causes sight loss, usually affecting people over the age of 50, but more commonly those aged 65 and over.
- Pinguecula and pterygium: These describe small growths that can appear on the surface of the eye due to UV exposure. They’re usually harmless and can lead to mild dryness or irritation.
The great news is that there’s plenty you can do to prevent UV-related eye issues from occurring.
What can I do to protect my eyes from UV damage?
Caring for your eyes doesn’t need to be complicated! A high-quality pair of non -prescription or prescription sunglasses that offers 100% UV protection is your best line of defence. They’ll safeguard your eyes while making sure you can see the world clearly in the sunshine.
We offer sunglasses in a variety of styles to suit your face shape and style preferences; however, for the best coverage, wraparound or oversized styles are recommended for more protection from all angles for your eyes.
For especially sunny days or reflective environments, polarised sunglasses lenses are a game-changer for keeping your vision crisp, high-contrast, and comfortable. They eliminate horizontal glare that reflects off flat surfaces like roads, water, and snow, causing you to squint and experience eye strain.
Sunscreen is a must, especially for the delicate skin around your eyes to complement UV protection sunglasses. Don’t forget that a wide-brimmed hat can add a little extra shade too—and it’s a timeless fashion statement!
UV exposure is usually at its peak during the late morning to mid-afternoon, so try limiting your time in the sun during these hours, taking breaks from direct sunlight in the shade. It’s also worth noting that UV rays can still make their way through clouds on overcast but bright days, so sunglasses are handy to wear all year round.
Who benefits from eye protection?
While everyone can benefit from wearing UV protection sunglasses, there are some people who might want to pay a little extra attention to managing their UV exposure:
- Children: Young eyes are still developing and are naturally more sensitive to UV light. Plus, kids tend to spend a lot of time outdoors, soaking up the sun.
- Outdoor workers: Whether it’s rain or shine, being outside for hours every day adds up over time.
- Outdoor adventurers: Think beaches, mountains, water sports, or skiing. Reflective surfaces like sand, snow, and water can amplify UV exposure.
- Contact lens wearers: Some lenses incorporate UV protection, but they don’t cover the whole eye, so you’ll still want to pop on a pair of non-prescription sunglasses for total protection.
How can we help you?
At Harrold Opticians, we’re passionate about helping you protect your eyes while keeping your style on point. Our curated collection of sunglasses provides frames for every taste—combined with lenses that prioritise the ultimate UV protection and comfort.
Whether it’s your first pair of sunglasses or an upgrade to your current shades, we’re here to help you find the right ones for your individual needs. There’s no time like the present - call into your local Harrold Opticians branch and our expert and friendly staff will happily help you choose sunnies that your eyes will love – and that you’ll love to wear!
