Authored by: Dr. Fareed Ali
It’s likely that you’re aware of what UV rays can do to your skin, as sunscreen is typically an item we never fail to include in our beach bag. Do you know exactly what UV rays can do to your eyes? Sunglasses are also a staple summer item, but style is often chosen over functionality. If you spend a great deal of time outdoors, it’s critical that you understand what these harmful rays can do, and ensure that you protect your eyes accordingly.
If you’re exposed to large amounts of UV radiation for a short amount of time, it’s possible you could experience something called photokeratitis. Just like your skin can be sunburned, your eyes can too! Photokeratitis can bring about similar symptoms to a sunburn of the skin – discomfort, redness, and itchiness. Thankfully, these feelings are often temporary.
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In the long run, exposure to UV radiation can become much more damaging. Research has found that it can increase the chances of developing a cataract and retina damage. It can also damage other critical parts of the eye including the cornea and lens.
How can you protect yourself against these harmful rays? It starts with getting a good pair of sunglasses. You don’t need to completely sacrifice style in order to protect your eyes, but ensure you look for UV protection details on the product labels. You should be choosing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.
The hue of your lenses is also an important factor when choosing sunglasses. Although almost every colour possible is available, that doesn’t mean they’re good for your eyes. Yellow or red tinted glasses can greatly distort the way you perceive colour. Instead, you should be opting for gray or brown lenses.
Remember, sunglasses are so much more than just a fashion accessory. They play a vital role in safeguarding your eye health. Protect your eyes while in the sun to keep them healthy now and in the future!