Ultraviolet Rays and Your Eyes

Most of us know that UV rays are harmful to your skin but did you know that UV and other radiation from the sun also can harm your eyes?

Extended exposure to the sun's UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pingueculae and pterygia and photokeratitis that can cause temporary vision loss.

To protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation, sunglasses should block 100% of UV rays and also absorb most HEV rays.

Frames with a close-fitting wraparound style provide the best protection because they limit how much stray sunlight reaches your eyes from above and beyond the periphery of your sunglass lenses.

While many people refer to ultraviolet radiation as UV light, the term technically is incorrect because you cannot see UV rays.

There are 3 categories of invisible high-energy UV rays:

1. UVC rays. These are the highest-energy UV rays and potentially could be the most harmful to your eyes and skin. Fortunately, the atmosphere's ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC rays.
2. UVB rays. These have slightly longer wavelengths and lower energy than UVC rays. These rays are filtered partially by the ozone layer, but some still reach the earth's surface. These rays are the reason you get a suntan AND the reason you get a sunburn, increasing your risk of skin cancer. 
3. UVA rays. These are closer to visible light rays and have lower energy than UVB and UVC rays. But UVA rays can pass through the cornea and reach the lens and retina inside the eye.

Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of certain types of cataracts, and research suggests UVA rays may play a role in development of macular degeneration.
Various eye problems have been associated with overexposure to UV radiation. For example, UVB rays are thought to help cause pingueculae and pterygia. These growths on the eye's surface can become unsightly and cause corneal problems as well as distorted vision.

Make sure your eyes are thoroughly protected this summer! Come by Southern Optical Service in Nashville and with our experienced staff, we can help you pick not only the most fashionable but also the safest eyewear for you!

We're located at 1916 Patterson St #104 Nashville, TN 37203. To make an appointment, give us a call at 615-329-1731! Or just stop on by!

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