UV radiation can cause eye disease and vision complications, so it is important to choose UVA-protective sunglasses to preserve your eyesight.
What Is Ultraviolet Radiation?
Are your sunglasses in a drawer waiting for the next beach trip? Millions of Americans are unaware they are exposing their eyes to harmful ultraviolet radiation, invisible rays of energy from the sun.
Two types of UV radiation contribute to skin and eye damage: UVA and UVB. Scientists measure UV radiation using the UV index, a scale from low radiation (1-2) to high (over 11). Experts recommend sun protection when the UV index is 3 or higher.
You cannot see or feel UV rays, and they can bounce or reflect off water, snow and sand. Therefore, sunglasses are just as important on cold, cloudy days.
What Happens When You Get Too Much UV Exposure?
Too much sunlight can have short- and long-term effects on your eyes. Similar to your skin, your eyes can also experience photokeratitis, a temporary sunburn. UV rays can burn the cornea and cause redness, soreness and light sensitivity. For most people, eyedrops and rest can treat photokeratitis.
Chronic sun exposure can cause more serious issues like skin cancer on the eyelid or eye. It can also cause pterygium or “surfer’s eye.” Pterygium is a fleshy growth that develops on the surface of the eye, and it sometimes requires surgery if it obstructs your vision.
Most people develop a cataract because of aging, but UV exposure can cause cataracts to develop more rapidly. UV radiation and other environmental factors make the lens cloudy, which can lead to the following problems:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Faded colors
- Appearance of halos around light and headlights
- Challenges with night vision
Too much exposure to UV light can also increase your risk for macular degeneration, a serious eye condition that deteriorates central vision. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over age 60.
How to Choose a Pair of Quality Sunglasses
Function is more important than fashion when it comes to sunglasses. The FDA publishes guidance regarding the intended use, labeling and performance claims of non-prescription sunglasses.
You may prefer aviator, cat eye or wayfarer, but choose sunglasses that provide maximum protection from UV radiation and meet FDA guidelines. Here are tips for selecting a quality pair of sunglasses that will protect your vision and promote eye health:
- Select a pair of sunglasses that offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Look for sunglasses that say “UV400,” meaning they block almost all ultraviolet radiation.
- Some sunglasses use the term EPF or “eye protection factor,” which evaluates how effectively the sunglasses block UV rays. Choose sunglasses that have an EPF of at least 9 or 10.
- Usually, light to medium tinted sunglasses are appropriate for driving and outdoor activities, while darker tints work well for the beach or skiing. Read the label carefully to determine the amount of protection the sunglasses offer.
- Sunglasses offer more protection if they wrap around your face and fit close to the eyes. A close fit and wraparound style create a physical barrier to keep out UV rays.
- Polarized lenses can help reduce glare from water and snow and can make golfing, boating and skiing more enjoyable. However, polarized lenses don’t naturally filter out UV rays. An additional coating must be added to the lenses to block UV light. Look for the EPF or UV label.
- The FDA mandates that sunglasses must have impact resistance; however, they are not shatterproof and should not be relied upon as protective eyewear.
- If you need protective eyewear for sports or industrial use, purchase safety glasses or goggles with plastic polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses without coatings are prone to scratches, so opt for those with scratch-resistant features.
Other Ways to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Natural sunlight provides the best source of vitamin D, but getting too much sunshine can damage your skin and eyesight. The best way to get safe amounts of vitamin D is to spend a few minutes per day in the sun, whether in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. During the winter and fall, you can spend some time outside in the afternoon when UV index is below a level 3.
Along with sunglasses, wear a wide-brimmed hat when you are outdoors. Hats will shade your face from the sun, but the brim must be sizable. A baseball cap won’t offer the same protection.
Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is advisable, and remember to reapply sunscreen as needed. This is especially important if you will get wet during your activities. It is also important to limit your exposure to intense sunlight in the summer.
Visit an Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam
You may think your vision is fine because you have never had any eye problems. However, 11 million Americans 12 and older have uncorrected vision issues.
Eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) do not have symptoms at the beginning stage of development. Comprehensive eye exams with dilation can detect eye diseases earlier when they are easier and less expensive to treat.
Talk to your doctor about how often you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Factors like age, ethnicity, family history and your personal medical history will help determine how often you should visit your ophthalmologist.
Some symptoms may indicate you need to see an eye doctor right away:
- Eye pain
- Double vision
- Flashes of light
- Floaters
- Circles around lights
- Eye redness or drainage
Find a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist Near You
Are you looking for a board-certified ophthalmologist in your area? We have eye care facilities across the country and welcome new patients. Your eyes deserve exceptional care, so call today to make an appointment.