Protecting your eyes from UV light is important for maintaining good eye health but can also impact your general health. The sun’s light can cause a range of problems in your eyes when overexposed so it’s important to take the proper precautions to protect them. There are a number of ways you can do this to make sure you maintain healthy eyes.
Why Is It So Important?
As well as comfort and style, sunglasses play a crucial role in protecting your eyes from UV light which is produced by the sun. Exposure to UV light is a risk factor for developing cataracts, which is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts can cause blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. Limiting exposure to UV light is also crucial in the prevention of cataracts which is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens whic h can cause blurry vision, sensitivity to light and difficult seeing in the dark. UV light can also increase the risk of skin cancer around the eyes and cause premature ageing of the skin as well. UV light can penetrate through clouds and even windows, which means it’s important to protect your eyes even on overcast days.
How To Protect Your Eyes
Sunglasses
When it comes to choosing sunglasses, it’s important to look for those that offer 100% UV protection. This means that they block both UVA and UVB rays, which are the two types of UV radiation that can cause eye damage. UVB rays are more intense and can cause sunburns, while UVA rays are more prevalent and can penetrate deeper into the eye, causing long-term damage. You can check to see if your current sunglasses have 100% UV protection by looking for a label indicating this on the lens or on the frame of the glasses. Look for sunglasses that are labelled as “UV400” or “100% UV protection.” These labels indicate that the glasses block all UVA and UVB rays. If you own Costa Del Mar sunglasses or other brands that may not meet these criteria then don’t worry, you can use Costa Del Mar replacement lenses so you can keep your stylish sunglasses and won’t have to invest in another pair. Additionally, wraparound sunglasses can be especially effective because they block UV rays from the sides, which can still reach your eyes even when wearing regular sunglasses.
Wearing Contacts
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV light is of utmost importance, and wearing contacts can be an effective way to keep your eyes safe while enjoying the great outdoors. Contacts with built-in UV protection act as a shield against harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun, preventing them from reaching your delicate corneas. These specialized lenses not only offer clear vision but also ensure that your eyes are shielded from potential damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. By forming a protective barrier over your irises, they help reduce the risk of developing conditions such as photokeratitis or even long-term concerns like cataracts and macular degeneration. If you are wearing contacts for the first time, be patient as they may take a while to get used to but they are well worth it.
Hats
In addition to wearing sunglasses, wearing a hat can provide additional protection for your eyes and the skin around them. A wide-brimmed hat can help block the sun’s UV rays from above and provide shade for your face and protect the delicate skin around the eyes. When choosing a hat, look for one with a brim that is at least three inches wide all the way around to provide the most coverage.
Stay In The Shade
The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so if you can, try to stay in the shade during these hours to reduce your exposure. This is especially important when you’re in areas with reflective surfaces, like water or sand, which can increase UV radiation. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, consider bringing an umbrella or a canopy to create your own shade. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV radiation can still penetrate the clouds and cause damage to your eyes and skin, so it’s always important to take precautions to protect yourself.
Avoid Sunbeds
Artificial sunbeds or tanning beds use UVA and UVB radiation to produce a tan, which can cause damage to your skin and eyes. The UV radiation from sunbeds can be up to 15 times stronger than the midday sun, which increases your risk of developing skin cancer and other skin damage. Moreover, the UV radiation can also cause damage to your eyes, even if you close them, but if you do give into temptation then always make sure to wear the goggles provided properly and correctly.
In conclusion, protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV light is crucial for maintaining good eye health. Exposure to UV rays can cause a variety of eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyelids. To protect your eyes, it is important to wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection and to choose a wide-brimmed hat and stay in the shade during peak UV hours when possible. By taking these simple precautions, you can help reduce your risk of eye damage and maintain healthy eyesight for years to come.