Happy Cataract Awareness Month!
The sun is out and with it comes a plethora of risks for some of your most precious organs: your eyes. It’s always important to ensure you are wearing proper eye protection when outdoors, not just during the months you can actually see the sun. UV rays that damage our eyes are transmitted through clouds, causing harm to your eyes even when it is overcast.
Different Types of Ultraviolet light: UVA vs. UVB
Many people are aware that UV rays can cause damage to our skin and eyes, but did you know that there are different types of UV in sunlight? UVA consists of longer wavelengths, allowing UVA rays to penetrate deeper portions of the eye. These rays are contributing factors to the formation of cataracts as well as retinal conditions such as macular degeneration. UVB consists of shorter wavelengths than UVA, resulting in damage to superficial structures of the eye. UVB can cause a condition called photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn for your corneas. It is also a leading cause of the formation of pterygia and pingueculas. Both UVA and UVB are contributing factors to the development of skin cancers, such as melanoma.
Which sunglasses protect from UVA and UVB?
We recommend that all our patients utilize polarized sunglasses to protect their eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them. Polarized sunglasses reduce the glare from reflected surfaces such as bodies of water, snow, and roads. They prevent horizontal light from reaching your eyes, providing protection against these reflective surfaces. Not only is this beneficial for the long-term health of your eyes, but it reduces the glare seen from these surfaces, allowing for a more comfortable visual experience on a bright day. An important note: just because sunglasses say they have “100% UV protection” does not mean they are protective against both UVA and UVB. Only glasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection provide adequate coverage for your eyes. Without UVA and UVB protection, more damage may occur to your eyes, since the darkening effects of the lenses cause the pupils to dilate. This allows more of the UV rays which are not blocked by the lenses to reach your eyes and cause damage.
Added Bonuses of Sunglasses
So, we know that sunglasses are important to prevent both skin and ocular conditions, but what else can they do for you? First, sunglasses come in a variety of styles and can add some flair to your favorite outfits. Our skilled opticians can help you select a pair of frames that work best for you. Sunglasses prevent more than just destructive skin and eye conditions- they also help prevent wrinkles! Sunglasses act as a protective barrier from sand, insects, and wind. Although sunglasses are beneficial for everyone, children are exposed to more UV radiation than adults, making these protective eyepieces all the more important for our young ones.
