UV Rays Protection

Why It Is Important to Protect Your Eyes from UV-A and UV-B Rays

UV rays (ultraviolet rays) are a form of electromagnetic radiation naturally present in sunlight. They are divided into three categories based on their wavelength: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.

• UV-C rays are the shortest and most energetic but do not reach the Earth's surface as they are filtered by the ozone layer of the atmosphere. In contrast, both UV-A and UV-B rays can reach the Earth's surface.

• UV-A rays have a longer wavelength and penetrate deeply into the skin, while UV-B rays have a shorter wavelength and are responsible for causing sunburn. Both can cause damage to the skin and eyes if exposed for long periods without appropriate protection.

It is important to protect yourself from UV rays by using sunglasses and sunscreen with UV protection, especially during the hours of greatest solar exposure.

What Causes Prolonged Exposure to UV Rays in Our Eyes?

Prolonged exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays can cause various eye damages.

In particular, UV-B rays can cause keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the transparent membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye), and photokeratitis (a type of sunburn on the cornea). Long-term repeated exposure to UV-B can also contribute to the development of cataracts (opacity of the lens of the eye) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a common cause of vision loss in older adults.

• UV-A rays can cause premature aging of the retina, increasing the risk of cataracts and AMD. Furthermore, UV-A can also damage the external surface of the eye, causing inflammation of the conjunctiva and iris.

For this reason, it is important to protect your eyes from exposure to UV rays by using sunglasses with lenses that filter both UV-A and UV-B rays, and wearing them even in indirect or shaded sunlight.

Which Lenses to Choose to Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays

To protect your eyes from damage caused by UV rays, it is important to choose sunglasses lenses that offer good UV protection. When purchasing sunglasses, be sure to check that the lenses have a label or description indicating the percentage of UV filtering.

Good quality lenses should provide 100% UV protection for both UV-A and UV-B rays, meaning they absorb all harmful UV rays. Polarized lenses can also be beneficial for reducing glare and improving visual clarity in bright light conditions, such as light reflected off snow or the surface of water.

It is essential to choose quality lenses that protect your eyes from UV rays without limiting your vision or causing eye strain. Additionally, consider using colored lenses, which can improve contrast and reduce eye strain in certain situations, such as bright light or foggy conditions.