🕶️ Sunglasses & UV Protection
Wearing the right sunglasses is not just about comfort — it’s about protecting your eyes from long-term damage.
☀️ Understanding UV Rays
There are three types of ultraviolet (UV) rays:
- 🌞 UVA
- 🔥 UVB
- 🚫 UVC (blocked by the ozone layer)
We strongly recommend choosing eyewear that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Look for sunglasses labeled: UV 400.
⚠️ Avoid Cheap Sunglasses
Resist the temptation to purchase inexpensive sunglasses.
Cheap sunglasses often block only about 65% of UV rays. They may also contain low-quality lenses that can cause distortion, leading to eye strain and even headaches.
☁️ UV Rays Can Go Through Clouds
Ultraviolet rays can pass through clouds, meaning your eyes are exposed even on overcast days. Wearing UV protection is important year-round — not only when it’s sunny.
👧🧒 Kids & Teens Need Protection Too
Children and teenagers should wear sunglasses whenever possible outside of school. Their eyes are still developing, making them even more vulnerable to UV damage.
🔄 UV Rays from the Sides Can Be Harmful
UV rays entering from the temporal sides (the outer corners of the eyes) can be especially damaging. These rays can be concentrated by the cornea onto the nasal conjunctiva (inner white part of the eye).
Over time, this can contribute to:
- 🟡 Pinguecula (yellow bump on the white of the eye)
- 👁️ Pterygium (tissue growing over the cornea)
A pterygium is defined as the conjunctiva growing over the cornea.
🔥 Direct UV Exposure Can Be Even More Harmful
UV rays hitting the eye straight on can cause serious long-term damage, including:
- 👁️ Cataracts (the lens becomes cloudy — like looking through a dirty windshield)
- 🎯 Macular degeneration (loss of central vision)
🛡️ Protect Your Eyes
There are several ways to protect your eyes from UV damage. Some options provide better protection than others.
1️⃣ Polycarbonate Lenses
Polycarbonate lenses have a built-in UV blocker and prevent about 99% of UV rays from entering the eye. However, since they are clear, bright light still passes through, and they do not block UV rays coming from the sides.
2️⃣ UV-Blocking Lenses
Plastic lenses can be coated with a UV-blocking layer. They may retain a slight yellow tint. These lenses do not block UV rays coming from the sides.
3️⃣ Clip-Ons
Clip-ons attach to regular glasses and block UV rays and light. They are only useful for people who already wear glasses and do not block UV rays from the sides.
4️⃣ Fit-Overs
Fit-overs are worn over regular glasses and provide stronger coverage than clip-ons. They block UV rays from the front and the sides.
5️⃣ Transitions® Lenses
These lenses go from clear to dark when exposed to UV rays. They are a great option for prescription glasses wearers. However, they do not block side UV rays and may not darken well inside cars because the windshield blocks most UV rays.
6️⃣ Sunglasses (Best Option)
Sunglasses (with or without prescription) are the best form of protection. Wrap-around sunglasses are especially effective because they block UV rays from every direction.
🕶️ Polarized Lenses
Polarized eyewear does not block additional UV rays, but it eliminates glare for a more comfortable experience. Polarized lenses are available with clip-ons, fit-overs, and sunglasses.
⚠️ Important Warning
UV rays are not the only cause of cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula, and pterygium. For example, smoking can contribute to macular degeneration, and wind or dust can contribute to pterygium. Wearing UV-blocking eyewear may not completely prevent these conditions, but it can significantly slow their progression.