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 It is important to protect your eyes against damage from the sun. For most people, an inexpensive pair of sunglasses will do the job. The sun produces many different kinds of light. The kinds most likely to injure the eye are ultraviolet radiation (UV), bright or intense light and blue light. All light is a form of energy. UV rays can be more damaging because they carry more energy then visible light rays.When your eyes absorb light, the process creates heat or chemical reactions in eye tissue. These reactions can cause permanent damage to the eye and associated structures if the eye's natural ability to heal itself is overwhelmed. Most of the damage caused to eyes happens over a long period of time and cannot be reversed so the key is early education and prevention.
Properly chosen sunglasses will protect your eyes against damage from UV rays, bright light, and blue light. There are also other safety factors to consider. For example, while driving sunglasses can reduce glare and improve contrast.
· Make sure the lenses are dark enough to keep your eyes comfortable, but not so dark that they reduce your vision.
· If you spend a lot of time outdoors in intense glare from sunlight bouncing off snow or water, you should wear sunglasses that block blue light. Medium to dark lenses with a grey, or a slightly brown or green tint, will filter out most blue light.
· Most sunglasses have plastic lenses. These lenses are tougher than glass and less likely to shatter. If you buy plastic lenses, look for a pair with a scratch-resistant coating.
· Check the lenses for distortion by putting the sunglasses on and looking at a rectangular pattern, such as floor tiles. If the lines stay straight when you move your head up and down, and side-to-side, then the amount of distortion is acceptable.
· You cannot tell how much UV protection a pair of sunglasses will provide by their price, color, or by the darkness of the lenses. Look for a label that lists the type and amount of protection. Manufacturers follow voluntary industry standards when labeling these products.
· Sunglasses that comply with industry standards are grouped in three categories:
 Cosmetic sunglasses have lightly tinted lenses for use in sunlight that is not harsh. They block from 0 to 60 percent of visible light and UVA rays, and between 87.5 and 95 percent of UVB rays. These glasses are not usually recommended for daylight driving. General purpose sunglasses block from 60 to 92 percent of visible light and UVA rays, and between 95 and 99 percent of UVB rays. These sunglasses are good for driving, and are recommended whenever sunlight is harsh enough to make you squint.
Special purpose sunglasses block up to 97 percent of visible light and up to 98.5 percent of UVA rays. They also block at least 99 percent of UVB rays, and are suitable for prolonged sun exposure. These sunglasses are not recommended for driving. |
Doctor's Blog
I have recently been reminded how important it is for us to share our success stories. People want to do what other people are doing!! They want to know other people’s stories. Look at how popular reality TV has become!
