Key Takeaways
- Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause both short-term and long-term damage to your eyes.
- Sunglasses protect eye health and reduce brightness.
- UV exposure can contribute to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Quality sunglasses block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
- Eye protection is important year-round, not just in summer.
Your mind probably goes straight to sunscreen when thinking about how to protect your body in the summer sun. However, it’s also vital to protect your eyes, which can be vulnerable to UV radiation that harms your vision over time. Wearing proper eye protection should be an integral part of your daily routine.
More than a fashion accessory, sunglasses help to maintain long-term eye health and prevent vision problems that may manifest later in life. Choosing an optical shop in Austin that offers quality prescription sunglasses is priority #1.
UV Rays and Their Effect on Eyes
The ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun in the form of UVA and UVB rays may be invisible, but it can have a big impact on eye tissue. Short-term exposure to intense UV light can cause photokeratitis, AKA “sunburn of the eye”, which can cause temporary, painful eye damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Symptoms include redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision, gritty sensation, watery eyes, and temporary vision changes. While these symptoms usually resolve over time, repeated exposure can result in more serious and permanent conditions, such as:
- Cataracts: These form with age, clouding the eye’s natural lens.
- Macular degeneration: This is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
- Pterygium: This is a raised, fleshy growth that starts in the corner of your eye.
- Damage to the retina: This affects the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
Why You Should Wear Sunglasses — Even on Cloudy Days
Did you know that 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds? This means wearing sunglasses on cloudy days is just as important as wearing them on sunny ones.
And you don’t have to be getting direct access to the UV rays; you can still be exposed as they bounce off surfaces such as water, sand, pavement, and snow. Always wear sunglasses all year round when driving, walking outdoors, hanging at the beach, or partaking in winter sports.
UV-Protective Sunglasses: What To Look For
Not all sunglasses are created equal. Just because your glasses have dark lenses doesn’t mean they guarantee UV safety. In fact, wearing non-protective dark lenses can be harmful, as they allow more UV rays to enter the eye as your pupils dilate.
Choose sunglasses with:
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- Lenses that meet ANSI or FDA standards
- Frames that fit well, minimizing light that can enter from the sides
Polarization is good, especially for reducing glare and improving comfort while driving or on the water, but it’s no substitute for UV protection. You want glasses that have both features for the best protection.
Sunglasses and Overall Eye Health
Sunglasses are part of a holistic approach to eye care. Along with regular eye exams in Austin and proper nutrition, UV-blocking sunglasses are essential to preserving vision and eye comfort at any age.
If you require vision correction, get prescription sunglasses so you don’t have to keep switching between glasses.
Supporting Long-Term Vision Health
Supporting your long-term vision health means protecting your eyes from UV damage. They work hard for you every day. Think of sunglasses as a year-round necessity – not just a seasonal accessory.
