Sunglass Maintanance Article List:
UV Protection and Its Importance
UV protection is a necessary for anyone that is out in the sun for any length of time. UV protection sunglasses can be one of the best ways to protect your eyes from the sun's powerful rays. The sun's light is considered too strong during most of the spring, summer and fall months in various areas of the country. When it is that strong, the rays can actually damage the very sensitive surface of the eye. Your sunglasses can protect your eyes from this.
What's The Problem?
Ultraviolet radiation, commonly referred to as UV, is one of the most dangerous elements of the sun. These are invisible rays that track down from the sun. There are several types of ultraviolet light, but the type that can get to the Earth's surface is UVB rays. These can damage your eyes significantly from minimal direct exposure. Just as you would protect your skin in the summer sun, you should be protecting your eyes with sunglasses.
- With just some wind or snow added to the UVB rays, you can have up to 18 hours of temporary blindness
- Some doctors believe that very bright sunlight exposure often can lead to the development of cataracts
- Eye problems including pingueculae and pterygia, which are growths on and around the eye, are caused by sunlight exposure
UV Sunglasses Protect You
By wearing sunglasses anytime you are out in the sun, you are protecting your eyes from these rays. When buying UV sunglasses, you will need to keep a few things in mind:
- There is only voluntary labeling is done; there is no requirement for sunglasses to be UV protectors
- Any sunglasses labeled as UV protective sunglasses must be at least 70 percent UVB blocking and at least 60 percent UVA
- It is much better to purchase UV sunglasses with at least 98 percent protection (usually clearly labeled as such)
Because UV light is so important for anyone that has any exposure to sun, you should take the time to know what protection your sunglasses are providing. Not all sunglasses provide the level of protection you need. Instead of assuming they are, ask questions. Most sunglass manufacturers will display the level of UV protection their glasses offer. This is good since most will want to advertise the fact that the sunglasses are highly effective at protecting from UV light. Ultimately, you need to protect your eyes from the sun's rays to keep them healthy, longer.
|
