Benefits of UV Protection in Sunglasses and Eyeglasses

Did you know that you don’t have to be under direct sunlight for harmful UV rays to affect you? Other surfaces can reflect harmful UV rays, such as sand, snow, water, and buildings. 

For most people, UV coating on their eyeglasses or sunglasses is not a top priority when looking for new eyewear. This should not be so because there are still harmful UV rays affecting the eyes even on overcast days.

UV-coated sunglasses and eyeglasses usually have UVA and UVB blocking material. These two coatings are the major ones applied to eyewear to protect your eyes outside. Commonly, UV coating comes with sunglasses and other eyewear brands. However, you can have the UV coating applied to your eyewear after you have purchased it. 

What Are UV Rays?

Ultraviolet light or ultraviolet rays means any energy produced by the sun and other stars. This light can also be produced artificially during welding or in solariums. Other sources of ultraviolet rays are lightning, fluorescent lighting, water purifiers, and disinfectants. 

Usually, UV light manifests by allowing us to see and feel heat on our bodies. Not all UV light is harmful; in fact, UV rays have many advantages for our bodies. However, some UV light is hazardous to humans.

Types of UV Rays

There are three primary types of UV rays produced by the sun and other sources. They are UVA, UVB, and UVC, and they differ significantly in their wavelengths. Usually, ultraviolet A operates on the longest wavelength, followed by ultraviolet B and C.

When they reach the earth from the sun, the crust entirely absorbs ultraviolet C. The world receives exposure to ultraviolet A and B. These two forms of ultraviolet light are the ones that can cause harm if you are overexposed.

Do You Need Ultraviolet Coating on Your Glasses?

UV coating is necessary because it protects your eyes from overexposure to UVA and UVB. These forms of ultraviolet light can cause effects similar to sunburn on your eyes. In the event of overexposure, your eyes can become puffy and red. They might also feel gritty, as if there is debris in them.

If you are sensitive to light, your eyes may be watery. These are just the symptoms of short-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The effects are much worse if you have prolonged solar radiation.

About 25 percent of UV damage to the eyes happens before you turn 20. For most kids, summer is the time they suffer the most exposure to ultraviolet light.

Significant Benefits of UV Protection

Studies show that UVA and UVB have significant effects on the eyes' health. It has been shown that the eyes are ten times more sensitive to ultraviolet light than the skin. Some of the benefits of using UV coated eyeglasses and sunglasses are:

• They limit the amount of damage to the lens of the eye

• They prevent damage to the cornea from overexposure

• They reduce the risk of vision diseases that UV light increases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration

For more on the benefits of UV protection in sunglasses and eyeglasses, call Advanced Vision Institute at (702) 819-9800 to reach our office in Las Vegas, Nevada.