Eye health is not just about being able to see clearly. It's about maintaining the full functionality of our eyes, from our ability to perceive depth and color, to protecting them from damage. It's about ensuring that our eyes can continue to do their job effectively as we age, and reducing the risk of conditions that could impair our vision in the future.

 

Understanding UV Protection and its Importance

UV protection is something we often associate with skincare. We're continually reminded to wear sunblock to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. However, UV protection is equally important for our eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can harm our eyes and affect our vision.

UV rays are part of the light spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun. Although they make up only a small portion of the sun’s rays, they are incredibly damaging. The danger lies in the fact that our eyes cannot see or feel UV radiation, so we can be unaware of the damage until it's too late.

There are three types of UV radiation, UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are usually absorbed by the earth's atmosphere and do not cause harm. However, UVA and UVB rays can have short-term and long-term detrimental effects on our eyes and vision. This is why wearing sunglasses that offer UV protection is of paramount importance.


 

The Essential Role of Sunglasses in Eye Health

Sunglasses are tools designed to protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, intense light, and glare. Sunglasses can help prevent certain eye conditions and diseases. Exposure to UV light can cause cataracts, an eye disorder that causes clouding of the lens leading to blurred vision. It can also lead to macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among older adults. Sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays provide the best protection for your eyes.

Additionally, sunglasses can protect the delicate skin around the eyes, which is prone to skin cancer, wrinkles, and other signs of sun damage. They also protect the eyes from environmental factors like wind, dust, and sand.


 

Different Types of Sunglasses for Optimal Eye Health

When it comes to sunglasses for optimal eye health, not all are created equal. While some merely darken the world around you, others provide substantial protection against UV rays. Here are a few types of sunglasses that are beneficial for eye health.

Polarized sunglasses are great for reducing glare from reflective surfaces, making them an excellent choice for driving or outdoor activities. However, polarization doesn’t equate to UV protection, so ensure to check the UV protection level.
Wrap-around sunglasses provide a higher level of protection as they block light from entering your eyes from the sides. For those who spend a lot of time outdoors, these are a great option.

Regardless of the type, make sure your sunglasses are marked as providing 100% UV protection. This is the most important feature to consider for your eye health.


 

Make Sunglasses a Regular Part of Your Routine for Eye Health

Taking care of your eyes should be a priority. Including sunglasses in your daily routine is a simple and effective way to ensure your eyes are protected from the harmful effects of UV radiation. They are our first line of defense against harmful UV rays and other environmental factors that can cause damage to our eyes.

Take the next step to protect your eye health by investing in a pair of sunglasses, visit Optometry Medical Group at our Seattle, Washington, offices. Please call (206) 888-6128 or (206) 888-6028  to schedule an appointment today.