UV and EYES: WHY WE NEED TO WEAR SUNGLASSES
TYPES OF UV
Over time, the effects of UV rays may help cause a number of eye problems.
UV-A
can hurt your central vision. It can damage the macula, a part of the retina at the back of your eye.
UV-B
The front part of your eye (the cornea and the lens) absorbs most UV-B rays, but these rays may cause even more damage to your eyes than UV-A rays.
WHAT DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY UV?
Macular Degeneration
UV rays may lead to macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss for older Americans.
Cataract
UV rays, especially UV-B rays, may also cause some kinds of cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, the part of the eye that focuses the light we see.
Pterygium
Another UV-related problem is a growth called pterygium. This growth begins on the white of the eye and may involve the cornea. Eventually, the growth may block vision. It is more common in people who work outside in the sun and wind.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer around the eyelids is also linked to prolonged UV exposure.
Corneal Sunburn
Corneal sunburn, called photokeratitis, is the result of high short-term exposure to UV-B rays. Long hours at the beach or skiing without proper eye protection can cause this problem. It can be very painful and may cause temporary vision loss.
KIDS NEED UV PROTECTION MORE
The risk of damage to our eyes and skin from solar UV radiation is cumulative, meaning the danger continues to grow as we spend time in the sun throughout our lifetime.
This smart little girl is using sunblock and wearing a hat and sunglasses, for the ultimate in sun protection.
With this in mind, it's especially important for kids to protect their eyes from the sun. Children generally spend much more time outdoors than adults.
In fact, some experts say that because children tend to spend significantly more time outdoors than most adults, up to half of a person's lifetime exposure to UV radiation can occur by age 18. (Other research cited by The Skin Cancer Foundation says slightly less than 25 percent of our lifetime exposure to UV radiation is sustained during childhood.)
Also, children are more susceptible to retinal damage from UV rays because the lens inside a child's eye is clearer than an adult lens, enabling more UV to penetrate deep into the eye.
Therefore, make sure your kids' eyes are protected from the sun with good quality sunglasses. Also, encourage your child to wear a hat on sunny days to further reduce UV exposure.
DIGITAL Blue light
Blue light is not limited to just atmospheric light, but also to digital devices. LCD and LED computer and television screens, smartphones, tablets and GPS devices all emit blue light, also known as high energy visible light. As the quality of such screens improves continuously, their blue light emission is increasing.
Excessive amounts of this blue light can have an adverse effect and cause eye strain and fatigue.
HOYA Blue Control Lenses features:
· Neutralise blue light, preventing from eye strain and fatigue
· Reduce glare for more comfortable and relaxed vision
· Better contrast perception, offering a more natural colour experience