Publish date April 7, 2014

Sunglasses Can Permanently Damage Your Eyes

You think that sunglasses with dark lenses protect your eyes more than those with light lenses? What is more important from the shades of the glass is the invisible UV filter that the glass should have. If it does not have it, or it is of poor quality, dark glasses can do even more damage…

Sunglasses protect your eyes, but only if they provide you with sufficient UV protection. Otherwise, you can do more harm by wearing them than not wearing them, according to the new report of the Vision Council, a group of American manufacturers of optical aids.
Keep in mind that dark lenses without adequate UV protection cause dilation of the pupils, which increases exposure to UV rays, and sunglasses which do not have adequate glass do not filter UV rays in a desired manner.

How to find both beautiful and effective glasses?

Sunglasses should protect your eyes from the two types of harmful UV rays: UVA and UVB rays, says Ed Green, president of the Vision Council.
‘People often wear sunglasses for the wrong reasons, but they actually have the same effect as a sunscreen, just that they protect the eyes, “says Justin Bazan, spokesman of the above mentioned organization.
Just as the Sun causes irreparable damage to the skin, harmful UV rays can permanently damage your eyes, says Bazan. In the short term, due to the exposure to UV rays eyes can become bloodshot and swollen. Through a long period of time it can lead to health problems, including cataracts, abnormal growths on the surface of the eye, and even eye cancer.

Dangerous place and dangerous time

The danger is even greater on the beach. Sand and water can reflect up to 25 percent of UV rays. And the danger of UV rays is highest in the summer months, especially between 10 am and 16 pm.
Here are some tips for choosing the right sunglasses, suggested by the American Cancer Society:

 

  • The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but should block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Before you buy, check the label.
  • If there is no label, do not assume that the sunglasses provide any protection against ultraviolet rays. In the U.S., for example, codes ‘ UV absorption up to 400nm „or “meets the requirements of ANSI UV” means that the glasses block at least 99 percent of UV rays. Those labeled ‘cosmetic’ block about 70 percent of UV rays.
  • Darker glasses are not necessarily better because UV protection comes from the invisible chemical ingredients on the lens, and not from the color or tint of lenses. Look for the label.
  • Large and wide sunglasses will give better protection to your eyes from light coming from different angles. Children need smaller versions of real protective eyewear, not only toys that look like sunglasses.
  • Ideally, all kinds of eyewear, including prescription glasses and contact lenses absorb the full spectrum of UV rays. Some contact lenses now produced can block most of the UV rays. But, since it does not cover the entire eye and the surrounding area, they are not sufficient protection.
  • Since they block UV rays, except that they give protection to your eyes, sunglasses are also important because they protect the delicate skin around the eyes.

Taken from: www.net.hr