We all enjoy soaking up a bit of sunshine — and for good reason: sunrays contain many beneficial properties. That said, the sun also emits ultraviolet (UV) rays, an invisible form of radiation that can harm your eyes. Prolonged exposure to these rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer. It is, therefore, essential to always protect your eyes from UV rays for optimal eye health.
In this blog post, we discuss how you can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Understanding UV Rays and Their Effects
The sun beams down two types of UV rays that can cause damage to the eyes: UVA and UVB.
UVA rays can penetrate the cornea and reach the lens and retina of the eye. Long-term exposure to UVA rays can cause cataracts, which can lead to vision loss. UVB rays, on the other hand, are absorbed by the cornea but can still cause considerable damage to the front part of the eye, leading to photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye) and snow blindness. UVB rays are also a major cause of skin cancer around the eyes.
Unfortunately, the effects of these harmful rays on the eyes are cumulative and can lead to severe eye conditions over time, which is why it is crucial to protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing protective eyewear and taking other preventive measures.
It’s not all bad news, though. Indeed, UV rays also have some positive effects on human health if exposure is limited to brief periods of about 5–15 minutes per day. This way, you can get just the right dose of vitamin D, which is great for healthy bones and teeth, helps regulate your sleep pattern, and even improves your mood! So, to keep that smile on your dial, limit your sun exposure, and make sure to wear your favorite pair of UV-protective sunglasses while out and about.
UV Protection for Your Eyes With Maui Jim
When it comes to safeguarding your eyes from harmful UV rays, nothing beats wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection. By choosing UV-protective sunglasses, you can block up to 100% of UV rays, depending on the lens quality. These sunglasses not only shield your eyes from sunburn but also significantly reduce the risk of developing dangerous eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.
While polarized sunglasses enhance visual comfort by reducing glare, they don't necessarily provide UV protection, which is why we recommend Maui Jim lenses at Village Eye Centre Sherwood Park. These lenses cover all the bases, offering exceptional UV protection and polarization. With Maui Jim, you can trust that all harmful UV rays are blocked, ensuring the long-term health and safety of your eyes.
That’s not all; shielding your eyes with our Maui Jim lenses enables them to adapt more quickly when transitioning between extreme light conditions. With its patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology, Maui Jims reduce HEV (high-energy visible) light without compromising the beauty of the visible blues around you.
Of course, many of us want fashion along with function, and if you choose a pair from Maui Jim’s stylish selection, you’ll get both!
More Ways to Protect Yourself from UV Radiation
It's important to remember that your eyes aren't the only part of your body that requires protection from UV rays. Shockingly, Canada sees over 80,000 cases of skin cancer each year, with more than 5,000 of those being melanoma, the most lethal type of skin cancer. Therefore, in addition to wearing sunglasses, it's absolutely essential to safeguard yourself by following these precautions:
- Wearing a hat with a brim can shade your face and eyes from the sun.
- Clothing with a tight weave can also provide protection from the sun's rays.
- Avoiding sun exposure from 10 am to 4 pm can also reduce the amount of UV radiation you are exposed to.
- Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Protect Your Eyes From Harmful UV Rays in Sherwood Park
Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is the best way to protect your eyes from UV rays. Contact Village Eye Centre in Alberta for our recommended Maui Jim lenses built to adequately shield your eyes from UV rays and help you maintain optimal eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions on UV Rays
1. How much UV protection do Ray-Bans have?
Ray-Bans provide different levels of UV protection depending on the model. For UV ray protection, get a pair with a label or sticker indicating they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
2. Do you need UV protection on cloudy days?
Yes, UV rays can penetrate clouds and still cause damage to your eyes and skin. It is essential to wear UV-protective sunglasses on both cloudy and sunny days.