Guide to Sunglasses and UV Eye Protection | UV Safety Month

Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory. They can play a pivotal part in protecting your eyes and vision. Not only do sunglasses protect the skin around your eyes from wrinkles and fine lines, but they also protect your eyes from an increased risk of certain eye diseases.

July is UV Safety Month. It aims to raise awareness about the dangers of UV rays and how to protect yourself. One way to protect your eyes is to wear sunglasses.
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Continue reading for guidance on sunglasses and UV eye protection.

Dangers of UV exposure to your eyes 

Whether you love the sun or run for the shade, UV protection is vital. Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun has both short-term and long-term effects on your vision and eyes.

Short-term effects: Potential short-term effects of exposure to UV light on the eyes include:

• Corneal damage
• Blurred vision
• Irritation
• Sunburn to the skin around the eyes

Long-term effects: Possible long-term effects associated with exposure to UV light include:

• Increased risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
• Pterygium, which are growths on the whites of the eye
• Skin cancer on the eyelids and around the eye

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Sunglasses guide

Sunglasses are vital for blocking harmful UV rays from penetrating the eyes and damaging the eyelids and skin around the eyes. However, with so many options and styles to choose from, how do you know what is your best bet?  It's helpful to consider several factors when choosing sunglasses.

Check the label. Not all sunglasses are created equal. It is essential to look for a sticker that indicates sunglasses provide 100% UVA/UVB  protection.

Polarized lenses alone are not enough. Just because glasses have polarized lenses does not mean they will provide ultraviolet light protection. If you prefer polarized lenses, it's essential to ensure they are made with UV-blocking material to receive adequate protection.

Consider lens size. It's optimal to have eyeglasses that have the largest lens possible. This provides the best eye protection and decreases your risk of sun damage.

Make sure they fit well. If you have sunglasses that are falling off your face or do not fit well, you probably won't wear them. Try on the glasses, move around, and bend your head forward to determine if they are comfortable and stay in place well before purchasing.

Consider style. Sunglasses come in various types of styles. For example, a wraparound style provides protection to the skin around your eyes. It is an excellent option for better coverage.

Check out AAO. For additional information on sunglasses recommendations, the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers further guidance.

Wear sunglasses in any season and in any weather. Sunglasses are not just for sunny days in the summer. They should also be worn in the winter and also on cloudy days. UV rays can penetrate the clouds and are present year-round regardless of the temperature or the activity you are doing.

This includes:

• Sitting on the bleachers watching a sporting event
• On a boat on the water
• Sitting under a shade cover at the beach
• Skiing
• Reading by the pool

The bottom line is it doesn't matter what activity you're doing, wear your sunglasses.
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Additional UV protection 

In addition to wearing sunglasses, you can also protect your eyes from UV exposure by doing the following:

• Apply sunscreen to the skin around your eyes. But avoid getting it into your eye.
• Wear a hat, such as a baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat.
• Seek out shade when possible.
• If possible, avoid sun exposure from mid-morning to mid-afternoon when it is strongest.
• Never look directly into the sun.

 
If you have any questions about eye health, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please contact our office at 508-746-8600.