Many people might overlook the importance of UV protection sunglasses. However, when one is outside under direct sunlight or spending time outdoors in summer, it is important to protect the eyes as well as the skin. While skin damage from exposure to the sun is often talked about, not many people think about how it affects the eyes. Here we look at what is UV light and how the right kind of sunglasses eyewear is needed for human eyes under the sun.
Sunlight comprises different light waves of varying wavelengths. Among them, UV light waves bring in electromagnetic radiation. These rays are of short wavelengths; hence they are invisible to human eyes. A small amount of the electromagnetic spectrum is visible.
Here we take a look at what are UV rays and how they can impact eye health. We also look at what are polarized sunglasses and how they can help reduce UV ray glare on the eyes.
100 Percent UV Protection Sunglasses – Why Are UV Rays Dangerous for Your Eyes?
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UV Rays and Their Impact on Eye Health
UV radiation can happen from sunlight or other sources of light. Whether artificial or natural, such rays can damage human eyes if they are excessively exposed to them. Most people are aware of the link between UV rays exposure and how it can cause skin cancer. However, they are often unaware of how it can cause eye damage. Today more UV rays from the sun are reaching the surfaces of the earth. Hence, necessary precautions are required to protect the skin as well as the eyes.
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Different Types of UV Rays
UV light radiation from the sun’s rays can cause damage to the skin, face, and eyes. It is a component of radiation from the sun but also of certain artificial lights. For instance, sources of light such as lasers, tanning beds, and welding machines give off UV rays. There are primarily three forms of UV rays, UV A, UV B, and UV C. UV C rays usually get absorbed by the ozone layer. However, the other two forms of UV rays, UV-A and UV-B can have short-term or long-term effects on vision.
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Differences between UV-A and UV-B Rays
UV-A represents the lowest while UV-B rays are of medium energy and impact. Their comparison parameters of these two types of UV rays are the following:
| Rays | UVA | UVB |
| Sources | Sunlight, tanning beds | Sunlight, tanning beds |
| Short Term Effects | Sunburn, immediate tanning | Blisters, delayed tanning |
| Long Term Effects | Wrinkles, and premature aging, can affect skin cancers | Skin cancer, premature aging |
| % In Sun’s UV Rays | 95% | 5% |
UV Eye Protection – Link between UV Exposure and Various Eye Conditions
When it comes to effects on the eyes, both short-term as well as long-term exposure can harm the eyes. They can compromise the overall health of the eyes and affect vision. Certain conditions or eye diseases can be caused or aggravated when they are exposed to UV radiation for long:
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Cataracts
This forms on the natural lens of the eyes. It clouds the lens of the eyes. It is the part that focuses the light required for vision. UV rays, especially UV-B, can increase the risk of cataracts. About 10% of cataract cases are usually attributed to exposure to UV rays.
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Macular Degeneration
Also known as AMD, this is a condition that damages the retina. Over time this leads to blindness that is age-related. If one is exposed to UV light for long, this can increase the risk of such a disease or condition.
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Skin Cancer
Some people develop skin cancer around and in their eyelids. Such a condition is often attributed to prolonged exposure to UV rays.
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Pterygium
It is a cancerous growth, a condition often called “surfer’s eye”. That’s a non-cancerous growth that develops over the whites of the eyes. It is similar to the conjunctiva. Such growths are also contributed to UV exposure as well.
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Photo Keratitis
It is also called snow blindness. It is a result of high exposure to UV-B rays within a short time. Such problems are caused when one spends long hours skiing or at the beach.
Different people can come at risk of such exposures and conditions. Any condition or chance of the same increases with the amount of time one spends under the sun. Those who spend long hours doing outdoor activities such as swimming, skiing, and mountain climbing remain at risk of extended exposures for which they need to wear polarized UV400 sunglasses. Again, those who use tanning beds or booths or sunlamps also expose themselves to the harmful V rays. Those who use certain drugs such as sulfa drugs, tranquilizers, or diuretics often experience light sensitivity. Those who work with electronic circuits, medical equipment, or welding equipment are also at risk unless they take extra precautions to care for their eyes.
What Is Polarization?
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Polarization and Its Role in Reducing Glare
Light waves interact with magnetic and electrical fields as they travel through space. It causes vibrations to occur that are both magnetic and electric by nature and across several planes. Light waves that vibrate across several planes are called un-polarized light. For instance, light from lamps, tube lights, or the sun are instances of un-polarized light.
The other form of light waves is polarized waves. Such light waves usually vibrate in single planes. Polarized light across a single plane indicates light that vibrates across a single plane. Polarized light waves showcase vibrations in the same direction. The process by which un-polarized light is transformed into polarized light is called polarization.
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Polarized Sunglasses – How They Work to Enhance Visual Clarity
When we talk of polarized sunglasses, they are made of special lenses. These help reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as glass, snow, or water. These are especially required when one is skiing or needs to have visual clarity. However, polarized lenses will not necessarily provide protection from UV light rays. Polarized lenses can be part of non-prescription or prescription glasses as well as UV-blocking sunglasses.
Polarized sunglasses offer the following advantages:
- Such sunglasses help to reduce glare from reflected light.
- Polarized lenses in sunglasses have a chemical layer that helps counteract glare; the chemical application is done vertically so that horizontal light waves are blocked out.
- All sunglasses of high quality come with polarized lenses.
Many of us look at customer reviews to know about style factors such as rectangular sunglass or wayfarers, aviator styles, and others. However, looking into factors such as polarization or UV protection is more important.
Choosing the Right Pair of Sunglasses
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Importance of Selecting Sunglasses with Proper UV Protection
Most people look at comfort and style when it comes to choosing a pair of sunglasses. However, they also need to choose the right pair of lenses. Nowadays most people are aware to look for UV 400 protection sunglasses that protect from UVA and UVB rays hundred percent. Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when purchasing sunglasses with the right level of UV protection:
- Dark lenses in sunglasses do not ensure better protection
- Polarized sunglasses are important since they reduce or remove glare from different reflective surfaces
- Lenses gray in color provide the true perception of colors. Brown lenses ensure a better perception of depth. Both types of lens tints ensure comfort in bright conditions besides black classic shades
- Wraparound, square, or larger lens style is good since they give more coverage and protection to the skin around the eyes.
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How to Identify Sunglasses that Offer Adequate UV Defense?
Specific tips come in handy when ensuring that UV protection sunglasses vs polarized sunglasses provide adequate protection against UV rays:
- Look for labels that say 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Some products showcase UV400 or higher protection factor
- If one is unsure about the UV protection of an existing pair of sunglasses they can get them tested at an optical store
- Polarized lenses do not ensure UV protection; hence ideal sunglasses include polarization as well as UV protection
- Check lens tint, mirror coating as well as lens color aspects in the best sunglasses for eye protection
- Wrap-around or larger glass fashion is ideal for outdoor activities as they prevent UV rays from coming in from the sides
Polarized Sunglasses vs UV Protection Sunglasses: What You Need to Know
Are you looking for the best polarized UV protection sunglasses? Before you make a purchase decision it would be wise to take a look at this comparison table:
| Polarized Sunglasses | UV Protection Sunglasses |
| Such glasses or lenses help reduce glare from reflective surfaces including the glare of the sun. | UV protection ensures that such lenses protect from harmful UV rays of the sun or other artificial light sources. |
| The polarized lens provides relief from strain on the eyes and enhances vision. | UV protection glasses are a necessity when doing outdoor activities. |
As evident from above, the best sunglasses for sun protection should include both polarized properties as well as UV rays protection.
FAQ Section
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When Are Polarized Lenses a Requirement?
Such lenses should be part of your spectacles as well as sunglasses. Polarized lenses help reduce glare from reflective surfaces. They reduce strain on the eyes as well as clarify the vision.
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When Are UV Protection Sunglasses a Must?
When one is outside and doing outdoor activities then wearing UV protection sunglasses is a must.
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Can I Benefit from Polarized UV Protection Sunglasses?
Yes, it is best to opt for polarized UV protection lenses when purchasing shades from reputed brands.
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Would the Best Sunglasses for Women 2023 Include UV Protection?
Yes, most reputed brands include UV protection. Look out for such details in the product labels.
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Can I Get Polarized Lenses in My Prescription Glasses?
Yes, your ophthalmologist is sure to provide you with options for choosing polarized, anti-glare lenses for your prescription glasses.
Conclusion
It is important to bear in mind the need to protect our eyes from UV rays every time we step out in the sun. Whether it is cloudy or bright sunlight, all light waves bring in the effects of UVA and UVB rays on the eyes and skin. For such reasons, it is important to choose UVA UVB protection sunglasses.
It is easy to make such choices since reputed brands offer several wellness parameters. For instance, polarized lenses are included by most brands in reading, prescription glasses as well as in sunglasses. This help reduces glare from reflective surfaces. They also help reduce eye strain and fatigue. Finally, it is essential to add UV protection along with polarized lenses in your glasses as well as sunglasses. These will help prevent harm and damage to the eyes from UV rays emitted from sunlight or other light sources.