Hello sunshine! As much as we love getting a daily dose of vitamin D, it’s important to consider the harmful effects of continued exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, as it is the leading cause of many eye problems.
Fortunately, by wearing 100% UV protection sunglasses, you can prevent UV damage to your eyes.
What Is UV Radiation?
UV radiation is a type of non-ionising radiation that is emitted from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. The radiation that reaches the earth’s surface are known as UVA and UVB rays.
UVA can cause the most damage to your eyes, as it’s powerful enough to pass through the cornea, reaching the lens and retina.
UVB is only partially filtered by the earth’s ozone layer. It can’t pass through glass, but it still has the power to cause surface level eye damage.
Understanding the Risks
Exposure to UV light has both short and long term risks. It can lead to painful corneal sunburn, photokeratitis and eye cancer. Cumulative UV damage, specifically from UVA, can cause cataracts and macular degeneration, which is a particular risk for people over the age of 60. UVB has the power to burn your skin and increases the risk of skin cancer. It can even cause ‘snow blindness’, which is eye damage from intense light reflection off snow, water and ice.
Preventing UV Damage to Your Eyes
The most important thing that you can do to prevent UV damage to your eyes is to don sunglasses, even when it’s cloudy. You can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your eyes. Take extra care when near water or snow as they reflect light, increasing the impact of UV radiation. We recommend that you limit the time that you spend in the sun when it’s at its peak intensity and always avoid looking directly at it.
Book Your Appointment
Get ready for spring and summer. We have a stunning selection of sunglasses in Glasgow at our Drumchapel practice, including all new Ray-Bans, so you’re sure to find the best pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
To check out the latest collections or if you have any concerns about your vision, please get in touch to book an appointment.