Sunglasses Guide
Your Guide to Sunglasses: An Everyday Accessory
Sunglasses are a daily health necessity for adults and kids to protect the eyes from long and short-term damage from the sun’s UV rays.
Spending time outside offers a variety of health benefits, including providing essential vitamin D, but the sun also emits dangerous UV light that can be harmful to eyes. Understanding the damaging effects of UV exposure and the importance of wearing proper sunglasses is essential for safeguarding vision and ensuring lifelong eye health.
Hazards of UV Exposure
The sun emits three kinds of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, UVB radiation is only partially blocked and can burn the skin and eyes. UVA rays are not filtered and cause the most damage to vision health.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause short-term discomfort like bloodshot eyes and sensitivity to light, or even more severe conditions like photokeratitis, akin to sunburn of the eye. Cumulative UV exposure over a lifetime can lead to chronic eye diseases and conditions that compromise vision health in adulthood.
Risks for Children
Children receive more annual sun exposure than adults because many of their activities are outdoor based, including school recess, sports and playtime, so the need for sunglasses is even more important. This increased exposure to sunlight also increases children’s exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) light, which children’s eyes cannot filter as effectively as adults’ eyes can. This results in children’s retinas being exposed to more UV light and susceptible to retinal damage if they are not adequately protected.
How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Exposure
Thankfully, shielding eyes from harmful UV radiation is as simple as donning a pair of sunglasses designed to filter both UVA and UVB rays. However, not all sunglasses are created equal. Comfort and style are key considerations to ensure both children and adults wear sunglasses consistently, while UV protection and durability remain non-negotiable factors for effective eye protection.
Look for UV Protection
Understanding UV protection and its implications for eye health is crucial when choosing sunglasses. Dark lenses alone do not guarantee adequate UV protection, and not all sunglasses offer UVA/UVB protection. Look for labels indicating UV protection before making a purchase.
Choose the Right Sunglasses for Children
When selecting sunglasses for children, prioritize comfort, UV protection, and a style that resonates with their preferences. Opt for reputable brands that offer UVA/UVB protection, ensuring adequate shielding against harmful radiation. Involve them in the selection process to encourage ownership and compliance with wearing sunglasses regularly.
Maintain Regular Eye Health
In addition to wearing sunglasses outdoors, scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams with eyecare providers is vital for maintaining optimal eye health. Eyecare providers can offer personalized recommendations tailored to individual vision needs and lifestyles, ensuring comprehensive eye protection and enhancing visual comfort and clarity.