Your eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in your body. In fact, studies have found that our vision is our most dominant sense. However, if we don’t care for our eyes, our vision could become adversely affected, which would change the way we experience life and the world around us.
The good thing is that there are steps we can take to protect our eyes and, therefore, our vision. One of these ways is by protecting them daily from the sun’s harmful UV rays and accidents that may injure our eyes.
How can the sun damage your eyes?
The sun affects our eyes in a very similar way to how it affects our skin. Sun damage primarily can be attributed to UltraViolet (UV) wavelengths that are invisible to the human eye.
UV rays can contribute to serious eye conditions including:
- Macular degeneration - This is caused by cumulative degeneration of the central portion of the retina. The retina is the eye’s inner most nerve layer responsible for receiving images and then sending those images to the brain. Macular degeneration is one of the primary causes of vision loss for people over the age of 60.
- Cataracts - Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness that is treatable. Cataracts cause clouding and yellowing of your eye’s internal crystalline lens, resulting in painless and progressive vision loss.
- Corneal/Conjunctival sunburn - Did you know that UV exposure can cause painful burning and drying of the cornea and conjunctiva? If you have ever spent a day in the sun and then noticed a gritty/sandy feeling and redness of your eyes you have experienced this “eye sunburn”.
- Conjunctival cancers - These cancers are increasing in frequency, especially among older people. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can contribute to the formation of these cancers.
There are also other factors that can contribute to eye damage, including injury at home or on the job. Wearing safety glasses or goggles to protect the eyes from projectiles, dust, or hash chemicals is also necessary for optimum eye health.
How to get eye protection with these eye safety tips
While these conditions can all seem scary, they are preventable with proper care and protection.
Here are some tips you can implement:
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Wear polarized sunglasses - Polarized sunglasses help to block glare and improve your overall visual performance in sunlight or cloudy conditions, reduce eye strain, and enhance clarity when in shady areas. High-quality sunglasses fully protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. Polarized sunglasses are great for sporting activities,if you select the tint that will enhance your vision based on the sport of your choice.
- Limit exposure of the sun’s Uv rays - Most of us love to take advantage of the warm sunny weather from the warmer months, but spending hours in direct sunlight is not good for our skin or eyes. Limiting your exposure by wearing quality sunglasses and sunscreen, you also limit the chances you will end up with one of these eye diseases.
- Stay aware in cloudy conditions - There is a common misconception that clouds reduce your exposure from UV rays. While clouds remove the harshness of direct sunlight, the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate cloud cover and affect you. Protecting yourself even during cloudy conditions is still necessary.
- Wear protective goggles - Our Speed II unique sunglasses that also converts to goggles ensure that you have protection from the sun and any objects that could cause injury. They are comfortable, adjustable, and lightweight, and have removable foam gaskets to block flying elements.
To view and purchase our variety of polarized lenses specific to your needs, visit our website.