UV Protection

Our eyesight is the sense that we rely on the most. Not only is our vision invaluable as a standalone method of connecting with the world around us, but we also tend to fall back on our eyesight if we doubt any of our other senses. We may be ready to cross the road and can’t hear any oncoming traffic, but we naturally revert to our eyesight to double-check that the coast is clear. We can hear the details of a magic trick, but unless we see it, with our own eyes, we don’t believe it.

Since our eyes are so crucial to our ability to live a full and happy life, it is important to protect these delicate features for as long as possible. This includes keeping our eyes safe from the damaging effects of UVA and UVB rays transmitted by the sun. These are invisible rays contained in sunlight, most of which get absorbed by the structures of the eye without any damage.


 

The Effects Of UV On The Eyes

Most of us know that UV light can damage our skin. Spending too long in the sun without sunscreen can cause our skin to burn and blister. Naturally, our eyes are no better protected than our skin is. Significant or extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to the development of a range of serious eye problems including cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis, and pterygia. In some instances, patients can go on to develop cancer of or around the eyes. Melanoma is the most common malignant cancer of the eyeball and tumors sometimes require surgical removal.

Fortunately, if you opt to wear UV protection, you can prevent suffering from the effects of UV damage to your eyes.  The best form of UV protection? Sunglasses that have lenses with a UV filter that stops most of the harmful rays of the sun from entering your eyes.


 

Choosing the Right Sunglasses

Sunglasses may be the best way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV light exposure, but actually selecting the right variety can be a challenge in itself.

The color or darkness of a pair of sunglasses has absolutely no bearing on the amount of UV protection that they offer. However, the shape of sunglasses can make a difference in the amount of protection that they offer. This is because if you choose a style of frame that is very narrow or sits fairly distantly on your nose, you will have large gaps around your sunglasses through which UV light can reach your eyes. Close-fitting and wraparound styles tend to give the most comprehensive UV protection. Our team will be happy to help you find sunglass frames that are both super-stylish and complimentary for your face, as well as affording you the best protection possible from harmful UV rays.

If you aren’t sure if your current sunglasses offer adequate UV protection, our team will be able to check this on your behalf. If you are looking at purchasing a new pair of sunglasses, be sure to pick a variety that offers at least 98% UV protection – something which you should be able to determine by checking the label attached to them.

If you would like more information on UV protection, or if you would like to come into Eyes on You, PC in Portland, OR to discuss your sunglasses, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced and knowledgeable eye care team at (971) 252-7500.