When it comes to protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, our options are nearly endless, ranging from sunscreen to water and sweat resistant anti-aging lotion to sprays or sticks to 100 SPF. Unfortunately, sunscreen is not designed to protect our eyes. At least not yet! If you don’t know, protecting your eyes is just as important as protecting your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Harmful UV rays can lead to a wide range of problems, including skin cancer around the eyes and pink eye. They can also cause cataracts, photokeratitis (a type of corneal sunburn), and pterygium (a fleshy white or creamy growth on the surface of the eye). So, now the question is how to protect the eyes from the sun. Keep reading to find out.
How to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays?
The most important nutrient we get from sunlight is vitamin D. Yet overexposure to the sun can lead to skin burns. UV rays penetrate eye tissue more easily than visible light, unlike the skin, increasing the risk of eye disorders. We’re here to give you backup tips to preserve your vision and prevent further eye problems.
Here are 5 UV protection tips for your eyes
1. Wear the right lenses and the right frame
Don’t cut costs when buying sunglasses. To minimize glare from protective surfaces, choose high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. In addition to blocking UV rays, sunglasses should also leave colors undistorted, be comfortable on your face, and have shatterproof lenses to protect your eyes from injury.
2. Understand that bigger is better
While UV rays are emitted directly by the sun, they can also be reflected back into our eyes by the ground, a lake or ocean, snow, sand, or other shiny surfaces. Although most sunglasses can help block UV rays from entering the eyewear, many frame designs do not protect the sides, top, or bottom of the eyewear from the sun’s rays. When shopping for sunglasses, keep in mind that larger lenses provide more coverage for the eye and let in less unfiltered light.
Read also : 5 reasons to put on this ‘kaala chashma’ before going out in the summer heat!
3. Know when the sun is strongest
The greatest UV exposure to eyes and skin occurs in the morning and mid-afternoon, not midday. Sun damage to the eyes is most severe in fall, winter, and spring because the sun is positioned lower in the sky. Even on overcast winter days, wear sunglasses every time you leave the house. After all, clouds simply vaporize water, and water is transparent to UV.
4. Double up
Wearing only brimmed hats provides no protection against UV rays reflected from surfaces such as pavement, sand and water. A combination of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will help block UV rays from passing through your lens frames and into your eyes.
5. Wear the right contacts
Even your prescription glasses and contact lenses/routine contacts should be made of materials and coatings that are UVA and UVB resistant. UV contacts are divided into two categories; Class I and Class II. Class I UV blockers provide the best UV protection. Consult with your eye care provider to determine the best UV blocking contact lens selections for yourself.
