There is no shortage of information about ultraviolet rays (UV) and how prolonged, unprotected exposure to UV can lead to skin damage. It’s why we wear sunscreen when we’re in the sun for extended periods of time. Sunscreens offer various degrees of UV protection by filtering out or “blocking” the harmful, invisible UVA and UVB wavelengths of light.
But did you know the same, serious approach to protecting your skin also applies to your eyes? UV rays cause cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula, pterygia and skin cancers around the eye.
It is extremely important to protect your child’s eyes from UV damage since children are exposed to more UV light on a daily basis than adults. In fact the majority of UV exposure occurs prior to 18 years old.
UV protection is critical to eye health
The most important thing you need to know about UV glasses is this: Be certain your eyewear provides near or exactly 100% UV protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Anything less is less than ideal for the short and long-term protection of your healthy sight.