UV Protection for Eye Health

When it comes to protecting our bodies from the harmful effects of the sun, most of us are diligent about applying sunscreen to our skin but often overlook the importance of UV protection for our eyes. This prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have serious consequences for our eye health.

What is UV Radiation, and How Does it Affect the Eyes?

UV radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the sun. It is divided into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC radiation is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and does not reach us, UVA and UVB radiation can both have damaging effects on our eyes.

UVA radiation can penetrate deep into the eye, reaching the retina and causing long-term damage. It has been linked to the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions. UVB radiation, on the other hand, primarily affects the front part of the eye, causing photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea) and increasing the risk of developing cataracts.

How can UV Protection in Eyewear Help?

Wearing eyeglasses and sunglasses that offer UV protection is one of the most effective ways to shield your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. UV-blocking sunglasses can help to:

  • Prevent cataracts: Studies have shown that long-term exposure to UV radiation can increase the risk of developing cataracts. By wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this common eye condition.
  • Protect the retina: The retina is a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Prolonged exposure to UVA radiation can damage the cells in the retina, leading to macular degeneration and other vision problems.
  • Prevent photokeratitis: Photokeratitis is a painful condition that occurs when the cornea is exposed to high levels of UV radiation. It can cause symptoms such as redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help to prevent photokeratitis and keep your eyes comfortable.

Identifying and Choosing the Right UV Protection Sunglasses

Not all sunglasses are created equal when it comes to UV protection. When choosing sunglasses, look for an indication that they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, consider the following factors:

  • Fit: Sunglasses should fit comfortably on your face and cover your eyes completely. This will help to prevent UV rays from entering from the sides or through the top of the sunglasses.
  • Lens color: While the color of the lenses does not affect the level of UV protection, certain lens colors can enhance your vision in specific conditions. For example, gray lenses provide true color perception, while brown lenses can enhance contrast.
  • Polarization: Polarized lenses can reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water or snow. This can be particularly beneficial for activities like driving or skiing. 
  • Sun-Adaptation: An alternative to polarized glasses is sun-adaptive glasses, which transition from clear to sunglasses when you step outside. 

UV protection is important year-round, not just in the summer months. Even on cloudy or cold winter days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and reach your eyes. 

NURILENS offers non-prescription and prescription polarized lens options for all designs in our collection to ensure UVA and UVB protection, especially when you’re out in the sun. Our standard blue-light-blocking frames are also UV eyeglasses. 

Understanding UV protection importance is critical to making it a priority. Invest in a good pair of lenses that give your eyes 100% protection against UV rays. Your eyes will thank you! Shop our UV protection sunglasses collection today.