If you are one of the millions of people that go out in the Summer and Winter for long periods of time and the question, “Why wear sunglasses?”, ever came up, then please read on as you may just learn something that could prevent permanent or temporary eye damage.
Our eyes are very sensitive, and the truth is, same harmful rays that can cause skin damage to us, can also damage our eyes. The rays that can cause this damage are called UV rays (Ultra Violet). Most people believe that they are only susceptible to eye damage if it is a sunny day out or if they continuously stair at the Sun for a long period of time. Unfortunately although these people realize some of the common causes for damage, the are missing a large area of where the damage actually comes from.
Where the Damage Comes from
Just like people who are Sun burned and wonder why since they are not laying on a beach on a cloudless day, people who get eye damage have the same question. The reason is, damage to our eyes are also caused by different things, some of which are glare and reflections, including the kind you get when you are around water, sand, and even snow.
How Do Sunglasses Protect Our Eyes
The reason that sunglasses actually protect the eyes is by finding the weakness of UVB rays, which are the rays that are most dangerous to our eyes. This weakness is that UVB rays are unable to pass through the lens coating. By keeping the sunglasses on, you are preventing direct exposure to UVB rays and are doing your part to prevent your eye sight from being carelessly damaged. Now you may think that your normal glasses can do the same thing, but in fact, you are wrong, and here is why. Sunglasses have a different type of lens that is made specifically for blocking the UVA and UVB rays which cause eye damage. Not only that, but they also offer lenses with anti-reflective coating, which is used to help cut down on glare and reflections, which can be especially useful while driving or player water and snow sports. Just because a pair of glasses has a part tint, doesn’t mean that it protects you from UV rays. So make sure that the type you are buying ones that state they are made to block UVA and UVB light. If it doesn’t state it on the sunglasses somewhere, ask the person who sells it what they are rated for. If they do not know, you may want to find a different store, with a person who knows which offer the best protection.
Our eyesight is very important and by listening to the information above and actually applying what you have learned, you may be able to prevent any permanent damage that UV rays may cause. This is something that is especially important if you are going to be in the outdoors most of the day. Remember, just because you can not see the Sun, doesn’t mean that no UV rays are there. Because they can pass through the clouds, you are always vulnerable. Wear sunglasses when outside and you should have no problem preventing one of the main sources for eye damage.