Protecting Your Eyes from Solar Radiation

The sun supports all life on our planet, but its life-giving rays also pose dangers.
The sun’s primary danger is in the form of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a component of solar radiation, but it can also be given off by artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds and lasers.

Most are aware of the harm UV radiation can do to the skin, but many may not realize that exposure to UV radiation can harm the eyes or that other components of solar radiation can also affect vision. For original article click here.

There are three types of UV radiation: UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not present any threat; UV-A and UV-B radiation can have adverse long- and short-term effects on the eyes and vision.
If your eyes are exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation over a short period of time, you are likely to experience an effect called photokeratitis. Like a “sunburn of the eye”, photokeratitis may be painful and include symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Fortunately, this is usually temporary and rarely causes permanent damage to the eyes.

To provide adequate protection for your eyes, sunglasses should:

§  block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation;

§  screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light;

§  be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection; and

§  Have lenses that are gray for proper color recognition.

Finally, remember to visit your eye doctor regularly to retain healthy eyesight and early detection of eye problems. Get an eye exam once a year. Drop in at 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore® Orlando where you get to choose from over 4000 frames. We have “A Frame for Every Face and A Price for Every Budget®.”  We look forward to seeing you.