Sunglasses are not simply a fashion accessory that makes one appear stylish. They serve a more crucial aspect of functionality, which is protecting the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. Indeed, prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays, particularly UV rays, can be detrimental to eye health. Without protection, the risk of developing cystoid macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, or even keratitis (a sunburn of the eyes) becomes real.
For this reason, it is critical that the person grasp the concept of UV protection in safety sunglasses in order to ensure the safety of vision in the years to come. Thus, in this article, we discuss the importance of UV protection, the characteristics to look out for when buying sunglasses and how to care for sunglasses.
Understanding UV Rays
Types of UV Rays
UVA, UVB and UVC rays. Of these rays, the ones that should cause more concern are the UVA and UVB rays as they are able to penetrate the earth’s atmosphere up to your eye. Almost 95% of the rays that are classified as UV rays penetrate the earth’s surface and are UVA rays that can go through the sin and the eye reaching the inner parts. In the long run, this creates a hazard to both skin and eye health. The majority of UVB radiation penetrates the atmosphere but it is more painful because it burns and injures the shallow dermis and the cornea. However, UVC rays do not reach the eyes as they are blocked by the ozone layer
Effects of UV Radiation on the Eyes Health
In case you belong in the category of individuals whose work involves long hours spent under UV radiations, then you might wish to rethink how safe your eyes are. When it comes to UV light related eye ailments, cataracts still reside on the uppermost rank. Macular ‘phonocentrism,’ damage to the eye caused by UV in the periphery of the macula, is the second cause of blindness. That aside, in such patients their vision might be reduced due to other effects like photokeratitis; which is a form of painful inflammation of the cornea due UV exposure.
Eye Problems Caused By UV Light
More often seen among postmenopausal women who have a history of unprotected sun-bathing. These include contraccometaphy, age-related dysfunctional melano changes of macula, photophobia being skin rashes that are sore and painful.
Importance of UV Protection in Sunglasses
Why is UV Protection Important
The primary reason for going for sunglasses would be their UV protection and this should be a priority. This is because, in fact, these types of sunglasses could prove to be more harmful than wearing no sunglasses at all. Looking through very dark tinted lenses causes the pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful rays to enter the eyes. This means that it is not recommendable to wear sunglasses that provide no or less than average UV protection.
Different Levels of UV Protection
Not all sunglasses offer the same protection level. The higher grade of sunglasses has 100% UV protection which means that absolutely no UVA or UVB rays reach the user’s eyes. Additionally many sunglasses also have UV400 protection, which means that the lens fully protects the wearer from particles with wavelengths shorter than 400 nanometers. In order to minimise the eye health risks posed by harmful rays, it is recommended that the level of protection ones sunglasses offers is considered before making a purchase.
Key Features to Look for in Sunglasses
UV Protection Rating
There are various things that you may wish to put into consideration when planning to buy a pair of sunglasses. One such item is the amount of UV rays that the sunglasses can filter out. Most women will wear glasses that have labels or stickers claiming that the sunglasses can block 100 percent of the UVA or UVB or even better for more comfortable one should have UV400 rated sunglasses and this will give an assurance that rays do not get penetrated.Â
Lens Quality
Not only protection from the sun but lens quality matters as well. Polarised lenses are often recommended especially when one is going to be glare on reflective surfaces such as water, pavements or snow. Even though the lens assists the person viewing with the lens in seeing clearer, there is no extra benefit in protection from UVs that make bright conditions unbearable for long periods such as eye strain.
Aside from the lens, the quality of these sunglasses also varies, especially depending on the materials of the sunglasses’ lenses which can be polycarbonate, glass or plastic. Polycarbonate lenses are very light and impact resistant, thus ideal for sports and outdoor use, whereas glass lenses are the heaviest, most fragile but offer the best optical quality.
Frame Fit and Style
The frame of sunglasses must fit well, as any gaps left permits the entry of UV rays from the lateral sides. The presence of worn oversized or undersized sunglasses gives room for the penetration of UV rays through the gaps. Wrap-around styles provide maximum protection as they also cover the sides of the eyes while fitting frames also protect the eyes from rays entering around the sides.
Choosing the Right Lens Color
The Effect of Color on Lenses on Sight and Comfort
One of the important components of your sunglasses is the lens colour since it has an effect on the level of comfort as well as the level of vision enhancement. Unlike the other lens colours the coloured lenses have different places and activities associated with them.
Grey Lenses
these are the lenses which do not alter the colours they provide vision which is clear and not harsh; this is ideal for everyday wear.
Brown Lenses
These lenses especially those that come in brown or amber colours enhance vision and allow the user to perceive objects in 3D form. This is ideal for activities that take place outside such as when one is hiking or driving. This type blocks the blue light and therefore minimises unnecessary eye strain.
Green Lenses
Lenses that are of green colour are used to extend the range of colours which are still visible while minimising the glare and blind spot often resulting from bright light hence can be used comfortably for long periods in bright environments.
Lens Color selection
The way of using sunglasses determines the lens colours to be selected where applicable. E.g. Most people may go about their daily activities with dark grey coloured lenses however, brown lenses can be used in such sporting activities done outdoors.
Additional Features for Enhanced Protection
Anti-Reflective Coating
An enhancement can be applied to the inner side of the lens for sunglasses by applying an anti-reflective coating so as to reduce the glare that would reflect back into the eye. This might be especially beneficial to people that drive for long periods of time or spend time lying on the beach.
Scratch-resistant Coating
Unlike ordinary sunglasses, those with a scratch resistant coating tend to be thicker and hence will not sustain much harm even with frequent wear and tear. This feature improves the quality of the lenses as well as increases the usage time of the sunglasses.
Wraparound Styles
Wrap-around sunglasses not only have the primary lens but extend to the side of the face to provide additional protection because UV rays can penetrate from any direction. This is perfect for sporting activities where there is a lot of sun glare bouncing off surfaces such as water or ice.
Taking Care of Your Sunglasses
Maintenance of the Lens
Use and care of sunglasses greatly influence the clarity, quality, and the effect of the eyepiece. A pair of sunglasses not in use should however always be tended inside a case to avoid scratches or any associated damages.Â
Ways of Maintenance
Light conditions are favourable for the cleaning of your glasses, and consequently, you may make use of the lens cleaner plus the microfiber cloth. Do not use rough surfaced items like napkins or pieces of clothing as that will most likely cause scratching of your items. Extra care is required when cleaning sunglasses with anti-reflective and polarisation coatings to avoid damaging the coatings.
Common Myths about Sunglasses
Only Costly Sunglasses Have Any UV Filtering Features
There is a mistaken belief among individuals that only expensive sunglasses can wholly block UV rays. This is not true because many cheap branded ones block 100% of UV rays as such, price should not be the only consideration.
Thick Clouds are Enough Protection from the Sun’s Rays and No Eye Glasses Required”
This is also another fallacy held by many. Even when the sky is cloudy, as much as 80% of UV rays can still get to your retina. Hence, no matter the season, it is vital to use sunglasses every day and not only during sunny days.
Conclusion
When looking for appropriate sunglasses, eye guardian rays with harmful levels must always be available. She says to ensure you look for sunglasses that have a 100% UV plus ro UV400 rating. Focus with sheathy lenses, fit and other coatings. When properly fitted, quality eyewear can help eliminate potential threats to the eyes, thus promoting eye comfort and long-lasting health. Finally, keep in mind that protecting your eyes is equally as important as safeguarding your skin; therefore, always make an informed decision when purchasing sunglasses.
FAQs
What is the best way to tell if sunglasses provide UV protection?
Search for labels or tags that state 100% UV protection or UV400 protection. This guarantees that sun glasses can block both UVA and UVB.
Can sunglasses prevent sunburn on the eyes?
Yes, full UV protection sunglasses can also help in preventing photokeratitis, which is known as a sunburn of the eye’s cornea.
How often should sunglasses be replaced?
When the lenses get scratched, and frames become loose, changed lenses, and lenticular faced glasses should be discarded. Also, a pair may be replaced when the style no longer gives complete coverage.
