Just because sunglasses are tinted does not mean they provide the protection your eyes need. In fact, unless they provide the right UV protection, your eyes are still at risk for damage from the sun's harmful UV radiation. Here is what you need to know about UV rays and why sunglasses with the right UV protection are crucial.
Ultraviolet or UV radiation is electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun. There are three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC, all of which are dangerous. Thankfully, UVC is absorbed in the Earth's atmosphere. Therefore, we only need to be concerned with UVA and UVB. Still, this UV radiation can not only lead to sunburn but also premature aging, skin cancer, and a host of eye conditions.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, at least 10% of cataract cases are attributable to UV exposure. Cataracts cause progressive vision loss and are the most common cause of treatable blindness. Other serious eye conditions caused by UV radiation include the following:
Also known as AMD, age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of vision loss in those over the age of 60. UV radiation causes cumulative damage to the retina, the part of the eye that records what people see and sends it to the brain. This damage increases one's risk of AMD.
This condition is also known as corneal sunburn or snowblindness. UV exposure can cause painful burning of the cornea, which admits light and images to the retina. Symptoms include tearing, redness, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.
UV exposure can contribute to the risk of conjunctival cancer, a rare type of eye cancer that is increasing among older adults. The skin around the eyes, including the eyelids, is susceptible to skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. UV exposure increases the risk of developing these cancers around the eyes.
Wearing sunglasses when exposed to the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays is crucial in protecting your eyes. However, just because glasses are tinted does not mean they guard against these UV rays. When searching for sunglasses, look for ones labeled as UV400. They protect against 100% of UVA and UVB rays. In fact, wearing tinted sunglasses without this UV protection may be more harmful than wearing no sunglasses at all, as the dark tint keeps pupils open in the sun, exposing eyes to more UV damage. Also, UV protection can decrease after years of wear, so replacing sunglasses every few years is a good idea.
Bright Eyes Optometry can assess your eye health and advise you on how to best protect your eyes for your particular health situation and lifestyle. If you are concerned about sun damage and your eyes, we can help you learn more about the different types of eye protection. Call our team today for a consultation or to learn more about sunglasses with UV protection.
Request an appointment here: https://brighteyesny.com or call Bright Eyes Optometry at (914) 730-9574 for an appointment in our New Rochelle office.
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