UV Safety Month: The Benefits of Sunglasses with UV Protection
Style isn't the only thing to consider when you try on a pair of sunglasses. Glasses that don't offer adequate sun protection may cause issues ranging from dry eye to a greater risk for eye disease.
Reduced Risk for Eye Disease and Skin Cancer
Sun exposure is necessary for good health, but too much unprotected time in the sun increases your risk for skin cancer and eye disease. Invisible ultraviolet (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) light rays have a shorter wavelength than visible light, meaning they carry more energy. These energetic rays cause more damage to the sensitive tissues of your eyes than lower energy, longer wavelength light.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts are two eye diseases that can occur after decades of unprotected sun exposure. AMD destroys cells in the macula, the central part of the retina. The retina, located at the back of the eye, turns light rays into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. AMD causes blurry or blind spots in your central vision.
Sun exposure also contributes to cataract formation. Cataracts occur when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, causing hazy vision and muted colors. If you don't wear sunglasses outdoors, no matter the season, your risk for cataracts and AMD may increase.
Interestingly, North Americans are more likely to develop cataracts in the left eye, the side exposed to the sun while driving. In a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2016, researchers tested 29 makes and models of cars to determine how much UV protection windshields and side windows provided. On average, windshields blocked 96% of UVA light, while side windows only blocked 71%. Stashing a pair of sunglasses in your car offers a simple way to decrease your risk for cataracts.
Adjust the Settings of Your Electronic Devices
Since completely disconnecting from electronic devices is not an option for many of us in this day and age, the next best thing you can do is limit the damage those items can cause. To do that, you should adjust their settings. Change the brightness levels of your devices or activate eye comfort shields to minimize the strain they can cause. Using night mode is also a good way to reduce the potentially harmful effects of device brightness.
Take Frequent Breaks for Your Eyes
Staring at a computer screen for too long is bad for your eyes. As much as possible, you should take breaks to prevent eye strain. You don’t have to take extended breaks from work to protect your eyes. Short 20-second breaks set 20 minutes apart can already make a huge difference. Make it a point to continue taking those breaks while you’re working and turn them into fixtures of your routine.
Start Wearing Computer Glasses
Computer glasses are accessories designed for individuals who must work with computers for long periods. They can help keep you comfortable while you’re staring at a computer screen. Finding computer glasses is relatively easy these days. Simply speak to an optometrist, and they should be able to suggest an optician who can provide those accessories.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams With Your Optometrist
Remember that you don’t have to monitor your eye health alone. Scheduling regular eye exams with an optometrist is ideal because they can identify any concerning developments. If any issues are indeed developing, you can count on your optometrist to provide an immediate solution.
Contact An Eye Doctor Near You
Partner with our eye doctor at Accent on Eyes and let us help with your eye care concerns. Stop by our office in Rockville Centre, NY, so we can provide the eye care services you need.
