Many people are cheered by a bright, sunny day, but the effect of all that sunlight on the eyes is a less sunny proposition. UV and glare can create a variety of issues, from dangerous "snowblindness" to the irreversible disorders that threaten your eyesight. Here are some frequently asked questions about the role of sunglasses in protecting the eyes from harm.
What are UV rays?
UV stands for ultraviolet, a band of spectrum invisible to the eye. Ultraviolet light consists of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are stopped in Earth's atmosphere before they reach the eye, but UVA and UVB can both reach the eye and potentially damage it.
How does UV affect unprotected eyes?
UV rays can cause proteins inside the lens to become opaque or cloudy, a condition known as cataracts. Cataracts can interfere with night vision, reduce your ability to see colors, and make reading difficult. They can not be reversed, only removed. UV exposure can also cause damage to your retina, changes in the eye tissues, and a temporary but irritating "sunburn" of the cornea called photokeratitis.
How do I know my glasses will protect my eyes? Choose glasses that claim to block at least 99% of UV rays -- UVA as well as UVB. Look for a label reading "UV 400," since this designation means that the glasses block UV rays as small as 400 nanometers, providing 100% eye protection. Of course you need to protect your eyes from the glare caused by the visible spectrum as well. To accomplish this, select products that block 75-90% of visible light.
What are polarized lenses?
Polarized lenses are specially designed to filter out certain types of glare that tend to radiate upward from horizontal surfaces when sunlight bounces off of these surfaces. They are recommended for tasks such as boating, fishing, skiing, golfing, jogging, and driving. Most polarized lenses will bear a label identifying them as such.
What types of glasses can I choose from?
At Mallinger Family Eye Care we are able to provide you with a wide range of sunglass options. If you normally wear prescription glasses we can order you a pair of prescription sunglasses, or you can order transition lenses that darken when exposed to sunlight.
What additional types of protection should I consider?
If you worry about light, including harmful UV, leaking in through sides or top of your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hate to reduce some of this exposure. If you use prescription eyewear to correct your eyesight, you may also want to think about getting a pair of UV-blocking contact lenses in your prescription. These lenses may be worn with a non-prescription pair of sunglasses for optimum eye protection.
What are UV rays?
UV stands for ultraviolet, a band of spectrum invisible to the eye. Ultraviolet light consists of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are stopped in Earth's atmosphere before they reach the eye, but UVA and UVB can both reach the eye and potentially damage it.
How does UV affect unprotected eyes?
UV rays can cause proteins inside the lens to become opaque or cloudy, a condition known as cataracts. Cataracts can interfere with night vision, reduce your ability to see colors, and make reading difficult. They can not be reversed, only removed. UV exposure can also cause damage to your retina, changes in the eye tissues, and a temporary but irritating "sunburn" of the cornea called photokeratitis.
How do I know my glasses will protect my eyes? Choose glasses that claim to block at least 99% of UV rays -- UVA as well as UVB. Look for a label reading "UV 400," since this designation means that the glasses block UV rays as small as 400 nanometers, providing 100% eye protection. Of course you need to protect your eyes from the glare caused by the visible spectrum as well. To accomplish this, select products that block 75-90% of visible light.
What are polarized lenses?
Polarized lenses are specially designed to filter out certain types of glare that tend to radiate upward from horizontal surfaces when sunlight bounces off of these surfaces. They are recommended for tasks such as boating, fishing, skiing, golfing, jogging, and driving. Most polarized lenses will bear a label identifying them as such.
What types of glasses can I choose from?
At Mallinger Family Eye Care we are able to provide you with a wide range of sunglass options. If you normally wear prescription glasses we can order you a pair of prescription sunglasses, or you can order transition lenses that darken when exposed to sunlight.
What additional types of protection should I consider?
If you worry about light, including harmful UV, leaking in through sides or top of your sunglasses, wear a broad-brimmed hate to reduce some of this exposure. If you use prescription eyewear to correct your eyesight, you may also want to think about getting a pair of UV-blocking contact lenses in your prescription. These lenses may be worn with a non-prescription pair of sunglasses for optimum eye protection.