UV Protective Sunglasses FAQs

Scientific research shows that UV rays are invisible and high-energy components of sunlight. A study led by Behar-Cohen in the Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology states that your eyes absorb UVA and UVB rays. Eye experts always educate their clients about UV protective sunglasses each time they step into the sun. Though awareness of UV eye protection has increased over the recent years, some aspects of UV protective sunglasses are still unclear. Below are some of the common FAQs concerning UV protective sunglasses.
 

What Is the Highest Rating for UV Eye Protection?

According to the American Cancer Society, good sunglasses should have a label of UV400. They should block between 190 and 400 nanometers of UV rays or about at least 95 percent of ultraviolet rays. The range covers all UVB and UVA rays. This standard mandates that brands of sunglasses possessing this label should meet their claim. If they don’t, some UV rays will enter your eyes and eventually affect your eye health.
 

What Is the Importance of UV Protection?

With proper UV protection, your eyes have a lower risk of developing or worsening eye disorders such as tumors, cancers, and cataracts. Experts add that good UV protective sunglasses can protect you from short-term eye damage such as photokeratitis or photoconjunctivitis.
 

When Do UV Rays Damage My Eyes Most?

Your eyes receive the most damage from the sun between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are at a higher altitude without eye protection, your eyes absorb more UV rays. Summer and spring subject your eyes to longer periods of exposure to UV rays. Winter also contributes to UV eye damage because of fresh snow, acting as a reflective surface.
 

Do Dark Lenses Enhance UV Protection?

The tint of your sunglasses does not enhance UV protection at all. You should always look at the official UV label of the pair you choose. It should be true to its label as well when it comes to filtering out harmful UV rays.
 

Should I Still Wear UV Protective Glasses Even When It’s Cloudy?

When people go out on a cloudy day, they usually forego wearing UV protective eyeglasses. Specialists say that people often think of clouds as natural UV filters. In truth, clouds do not filter UV rays. Be sure to get sunglasses with lightly colored lenses. That way, you can see better and still get the UV protection your eyes need.
 

Do Specialized Sports UV Sunglasses Help?

Specialized UV sunglasses for athletes help them see and perform better in the sun. These sunglasses are more durable especially when the sport involves projectiles and physical contact. The tints of these sunglasses also help athletes focus on the playing field and on their targets better under the bright sunlight.
 

When you shop for eyeglasses, make sure you get those that are functional and stylish, with reliable UV protection. At Primary Eye Care, we offer a good collection of UV protective sunglasses from which you can choose. You are welcome to visit our clinic in Tupelo, Mississippi, for a one-on-one consultation. Please call us at 662-200-9842, if you want to make an inquiry or set an appointment.