While the weather is a bit milder this week it has been very sunny and very hot lately. The heat of last weekend served as a reminder for me to grab a pair of shades to help protect my eyes. Being cautious (and fashionable), I grab mine as often as I can remember. They will protect my eyes from the harmful UV rays, and I’ll look good! Here is some information about UV rays, eye protection and sunglasses.
Ultra violet radiation is made up of invisible rays from the sun. The three bands of UV light are: UVA, UVB and UVC.
UVC rays are of little concern as they are absorbed by the upper atmosphere. UVA rays are primarily absorbed within the lens of the human eye, though there are no documented disorders of the human eye from UVA. This, however, remains a debated topic. UVB rays are the ones that burn the skin and can damage the eyes. There is some research that suggests that daily exposure to UVB in very bright sunlight over a period of many years may cause cataracts, a gradual clouding of the lens of the eye.
From a globally used index that measures UV rays that reach the earth’s surface, scientists use a scale of 1 to 11 to indicate how much threat exists at a particular time and place from sun exposure. Permitting media to warn people when UV levels are high. Warnings include advice to wear hats and other protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Avoiding the sun around midday is also important.
Sunglass standards for lenses place limits on UVB and UVA rays, but keep in mind that both the standards and labeling are voluntary, not mandatory. According to these standards, sunglasses must block at least 70 percent of UVB and at least 60 percent of UVA. Look for sunglasses that provide at least 98 percent protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Some of the higher-priced products with polycarbonate, glass or plastic (CR-39) lenses can claim to block 100 percent of the UV rays.
Here are five, eye protecting, tips from the American Optometric Association that will help you prevent eye damage from exposure to UV radiation:
n Wear protective eye wear any time your eyes are exposed to UV light, even on cloudy days and during winter months.
n Look for quality sunglasses that offer good protection. Sunglasses should block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UB-B radiation and screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
