{"id":10126,"date":"2020-02-14T00:05:15","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T05:05:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eyebuydirect.com\/blog\/?p=10126"},"modified":"2022-08-31T22:26:20","modified_gmt":"2022-09-01T02:26:20","slug":"uv-rays-and-your-eyes-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eyebuydirect.com\/blog\/uv-rays-and-your-eyes-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"UV rays and your eyes: What you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a sunny day, and you\u2019re about to go outside. You\u2019ve already lathered on the sunscreen because you\u2019re familiar with the risks of leaving your skin exposed to the sun\u2019s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. From sunburn to skin cancer, it\u2019s not a pretty picture. But what about your eyes? Are you doing enough to protect your vision?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some things to consider on your path to preventing UV damage to your peepers:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What eye problems are caused by UV rays?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to short or long-term damage to the eyes and the surrounding sensitive tissue, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cataracts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macular degeneration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photokeratitis (also called corneal sunburn or snow blindness)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pinguecula<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pterygia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premature aging<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye, eyelid and skin cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Are there different types of UV radiation?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are three types of UV rays with differing levels of energy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UVA rays have been linked to the development of several eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration, and it\u2019s believed they play a role in some cancers. They have the lowest energy level.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UVB rays are higher-energy than UVA rays. They\u2019re the ones that cause suntan, sunburn and premature skin aging. They\u2019re associated with a few eye problems \u2014 photokeratitis, pinguecula and pterygia \u2014 and most skin cancers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UVC rays have the most energy of the three types, and, luckily, almost all of them are blocked by the ozone.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How are people exposed to UV rays?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most commonly, people are exposed to UV radiation through sunlight, but man-made devices, such as tanning beds and heat lamps, black-light lamps, welding torches and phototherapy, also give off UV rays.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is the UV Index?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UV Index, produced by the National Weather Service and Environmental Protection Agency, forecasts how much UV radiation is expected to reach the ground the following day and rated on a scale from 1 to 11+. Along with the ratings, there are assigned risk levels and safety precautions recommended to avoid damage from exposure, such as staying indoors, applying sunscreen more frequently, and wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and protective clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10127\" src=\"https:\/\/img.ebdcdn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/uv-index-660x532.png\" alt=\"A UV Index\" width=\"660\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/img.ebdcdn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/uv-index-660x532.png 660w, https:\/\/img.ebdcdn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/uv-index-660x532-300x242.png 300w, https:\/\/img.ebdcdn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/uv-index-660x532-645x520.png 645w, https:\/\/img.ebdcdn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/uv-index-660x532-310x250.png 310w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">A UV Index<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>How can you protect your eyes from the sun?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have several options when it comes to shielding your eyes from the sun and maintaining your corrected vision, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Prescription sunglasses:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you don\u2019t want to worry about putting anything over your regular glasses, consider prescription sunglasses. The most you\u2019ll have to do is switch your glasses when you go outside.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Transitions lenses:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Also called light-adaptive lenses, photochromic lenses are clear while you\u2019re inside and automatically darken in sunlight. Instead of having to physically switch to sunglasses or attach your clip-on shades, you can simply walk into the sunlight and let your lenses do all the UV protection work for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Clip-on sunglasses:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Designed to be worn over your regular glasses, clip-on sunglasses<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are portable, slip easily into place and won\u2019t scratch your prescription lenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to protecting your eyes, it\u2019s also important to protect your eyelids and the other sensitive skin around your eyes. Make sure to wear sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats outside to provide yourself with the best level of coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Do darker lenses block more UV rays?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tint of your sunglass lens doesn\u2019t necessarily matter, as long as it provides 100% UV protection or is rated UV 400, the maximum level of UV protection. If you\u2019re in the buying process and can\u2019t tell what an item includes, contact the retailer\u2019s customer service team.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you already have sunglasses but aren\u2019t sure how much UV protection they provide, there\u2019s a tool that can check that. Take them to your eye doctor and ask if they can measure your sunglasses\u2019 UV blocking power.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Who needs UV protection?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everyone needs UV protection, including \u2014 and especially \u2014 children! However, some people are at higher risk for UV-related eye damage than others, including those who:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have had cataract surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take drugs that make them more sensitive to light, including Retin-A skin cream and some antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have light-colored eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spend a lot of time outside<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many parents are good about making their children use sunscreen, but they don\u2019t realize the additional importance of UV-blocking sunglasses. Because UV damage accumulates over time, it\u2019s critical for children to protect their eyes. Sunglasses on kids may be cute, but they also could be preventing long-term eye damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When and where are UV rays the strongest?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the American Cancer Society, the strength at which UV rays reach the ground (and you) depends on the time of day, the season of the year, and geographic location. UV radiation is strongest:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the spring and summer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closer to the equator<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At higher elevations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Do I need sunglasses if it\u2019s cloudy or cold out?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. It\u2019s very possible to get UV damage on a cloudy day, in the shade or in the middle of winter. Clouds don\u2019t block UV rays, and reflected surfaces like snow and ice can increase your UV exposure. In the shade, you may be out of the direct sun, but you\u2019re still exposed to reflections and glare from streets, buildings, pools, and other objects and surfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter where you are, it\u2019s most important that you protect your eyes and skin \u2014 with sunglasses, sunscreen, clothes and a brimmed hat \u2014 and limit the amount of time you spend outside.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Do I need sunglasses if my contacts block UV rays?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, even if your contacts provide UV protection, each one only covers a portion of your eye. Sunglasses completely cover your eyes, eyelids and some of the sensitive skin surrounding your eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Is it safe to tan without goggles?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Technically, it isn\u2019t safe to use a tanning bed at all. The artificial UV rays from tanning beds can be up to 100 times stronger than the natural UV rays from the sun, putting any user at much higher risk for skin cancer, immune suppression, sunburn, premature aging and eye damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But if you plan to use a tanning bed anyway, protective eye goggles are an absolute must. Studies have shown that the use of tanning beds can lead to permanent eye damage, such as cataracts and numerous forms of cancer. The FDA now requires salons to provide protective eye goggles for tanning bed users, so you don\u2019t have to bring your own pair. However, if you really want to look tanned, a sunless self-tanning product or spray tan is always a much safer option.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What about vitamin D?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you can get the \u201csunshine vitamin\u201d naturally from the sun, it\u2019s safer and more reliable to get it through your diet and vitamin supplements. Vitamin D is associated with numerous health benefits, including calcium absorption \u2014 which helps make your bones stronger \u2014 and promoting the proper functioning of your immune, nervous and muscle systems.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s a sunny day, and you\u2019re about to go outside. You\u2019ve already lathered on the sunscreen because you\u2019re familiar with the risks of leaving your skin exposed to the sun\u2019s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. From sunburn to skin cancer, it\u2019s not a pretty picture. But what about your eyes? Are you doing enough to protect [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":7907,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[901],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lenses-and-coatings"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>SPF for your eyes: How to protect your vision from UV rays | Blog | Eyebuydirect<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ultraviolet (UV) exposure isn\u2019t just dangerous for your skin \u2014 it can also pose a major risk to your eye health. Find out what eye conditions are caused by UV rays and what you can do to keep your eyes protected.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eyebuydirect.com\/blog\/uv-rays-and-your-eyes-what-you-need-to-know\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"SPF for your eyes: How to protect your vision from UV rays | Blog | Eyebuydirect\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ultraviolet (UV) exposure isn\u2019t just dangerous for your skin \u2014 it can also pose a major risk to your eye health. Find out what eye conditions are caused by UV rays and what you can do to keep your eyes protected.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.eyebuydirect.com\/blog\/uv-rays-and-your-eyes-what-you-need-to-know\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Eyeglasses and Sunglasses News and Advice | Eyebuydirect\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/EyeBuyDirect\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-02-14T05:05:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-09-01T02:26:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/img.ebdcdn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Desktop-cover-1600-X-840PX-Recovered-5.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"840\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jacob Trengove\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Eyebuydirect\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Eyebuydirect\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jacob Trengove\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"SPF for your eyes: How to protect your vision from UV rays | Blog | Eyebuydirect","description":"Ultraviolet (UV) exposure isn\u2019t just dangerous for your skin \u2014 it can also pose a major risk to your eye health. 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