Why invest in sunglasses for your eye health?

With the sunshine making a more regular appearance, we should find ourselves spending a greater amount of time outdoors. Sunshine is the giver of life, but it doesn’t discriminate. We’ve all probably spent too much time in the sun and paid the price in sunburned skin – a lesson not easily forgotten. It’s also wise to protect our eyes, and sunglasses are the best way to do this.

A word on UV rays

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are essentially radiation emitted from the sun which comes in several forms. There are UVA, UVB and UVC rays, which differ in their wavelengths. We don’t have to worry about the most harmful rays, UVC, as these are absorbed effectively by the ozone layer. UVA and UVB rays however can get through the ozone layer and over-exposure to these over the years can damage your eyes.

UVB rays reach the front of the eye and are responsible for short-term issues like photokeratitis, which is a painful condition which can be compared to having sunburnt eyes, as well as skin cancer around the eyes. UVA rays are the most damaging as they can reach the retina at the back of the eye and are known to contribute towards the development of cataracts and macular degeneration – both of which can cause sight loss in later adult life.

Our eyes are 10 times more sensitive than our skin, so adequate protection is vital. Children’s eyes in particular are still developing and have larger pupils and clearer lenses. This means they absorb more UV rays than adults and it is estimated they can receive 80% of their total UV exposure by the time they are 18 years old.

Sunglasses to the rescue

Sunglasses do a phenomenal job of filtering out harmful UV rays, as well as giving your eyes a break from squinting. There are many styles to choose from, but the closer fitting the better to stop rays from getting to your eyes from any angle.

Sunglasses lens technology

Today’s sunglass lenses can filter 99-100% of UV rays with some brands offering their own innovations with polarisation and differing tints for specific activities. When looking for a pair of sunglasses, the most important part is still UV protection. Both our opticians in Harrow and our Baker Street opticians offer a wide range of styles and brands for a variety of budgets. More expensive pairs may offer more innovative technology, that cater to certain lifestyles, like sports, or driving, but all the pairs we offer are chosen for their high quality and full UV protection.

Benefits of wearing sunglasses

It’s difficult to argue against the virtues of a quality pair of sunglasses as they are an investment for both the short and long term when it comes to your eyecare and style needs.

Visit us

We’re proud to offer some of the best sunglasses for UV protection, when it comes to designer brands and sunglass lenses. Our team is ready to welcome you at our friendly opticians – Baker Street, or Harrow – we’ve got the experience and expertise to get you stepping out into the sunshine with confidence! Get in touch to visit us and find your ideal pair of sunglasses today – your eyes will thank you for it later!