You’ve probably heard of ultra-violet light advertised on products that protect against them, but do you really know what this type of light is and why it is harmful to your eyes? Once we’ve covered the basics, you should be able to make an informed decision on how to protect your eyes when you spend some time outside.
The spectrum of color we can see from the light of a normal sunny day is only a small section of the rays that are actually out there. Light travels in waves and these waves are a certain distance apart from one another, called ‘wavelengths’. Visible light has a wavelength we can see with the naked eye. But your eyes are exposed to other waves with different wavelengths and the UV rays, which have a wavelength between visible light and X-Rays, and are always harmful to the eye.
UV rays are what’s responsible for sunburn, as the radiation does literally burn the skin. Your eye filters some UV-A radiation at the lens, but the more dangerous UV-B radiation will be pretty painful if you get too much exposure. The lasting black after-images of looking at welder’s flame, reflective snow, or simply staring at the sun are some examples of the damage. But prolonged exposure to UV light of any kind can lead to the formation of cataracts, a condition that causes vision to blur and can lead to total blindness.
You can protect yourself from UV radiation simply by limiting your exposure to it. But this is impractical and our bodies do benefit from getting a little bit of UV light by producing vitamin D for us. In order to shelter your eyes, wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor when going outside and wear protective eye-wear that advertises protection against UV light. Remember, the tint of the glasses doesn’t matter at all. So sunglasses that do not advertise UV protection are of little use. Treat it as an opportunity to shop for some stylish eyewear and protect yourself at the same time. You won’t regret it.

You’ve probably heard of ultra-violet light advertised on products that protect against them, but do you really know what this type of light is and why it is harmful to your eyes? Once we’ve covered the basics, you should be able to make an informed decision on how to protect your eyes when you spend some time outside.
The spectrum of color we can see from the light of a normal sunny day is only a small section of the rays that are actually out there. Light travels in waves and these waves are a certain distance apart from one another, called ‘wavelengths’. Visible light has a wavelength we can see with the naked eye. But your eyes are exposed to other waves with different wavelengths and the UV rays, which have a wavelength between visible light and X-Rays, and are always harmful to the eye.
UV rays are what’s responsible for sunburn, as the radiation does literally burn the skin. Your eye filters some UV-A radiation at the lens, but the more dangerous UV-B radiation will be pretty painful if you get too much exposure. The lasting black after-images of looking at welder’s flame, reflective snow, or simply staring at the sun are some examples of the damage. But prolonged exposure to UV light of any kind can lead to the formation of cataracts, a condition that causes vision to blur and can lead to total blindness.
You can protect yourself from UV radiation simply by limiting your exposure to it. But this is impractical and our bodies do benefit from getting a little bit of UV light by producing vitamin D for us. In order to shelter your eyes, wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor when going outside and wear protective eye-wear that advertises protection against UV light. Remember, the tint of the glasses doesn’t matter at all. So sunglasses that do not advertise UV protection are of little use. Treat it as an opportunity to shop for some stylish eyewear and protect yourself at the same time. You won’t regret it.

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