Don’t Take Your Eyes for Granted: The Importance of Protecting

Protecting our eyes from UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays is of paramount importance due to the numerous detrimental effects these rays can have on our ocular health. While many individuals are aware of the necessity of shielding their skin from the sun’s harmful rays, the significance of safeguarding our eyes is often overlooked. 

Many eyewear brands are making big strides in lens technology. Focusing on different lens types that include UV protection to ensure wearers are protecting their eyes when outdoors. Superdry sunglasses have become increasingly popular in recent years for having a UV400 rating, meaning they provide protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. 

What are UVA and UVB rays?

UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) are two types of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. While both UVA and UVB rays are invisible to the naked eye, they can have significant effects on the skin, eyes, and overall health.

UVA rays

UVA rays have longer wavelengths and can penetrate deeper into the skin and the eyes compared to UVB rays. They can even pass through glass, making them present indoors and outdoors. UVA rays can lead to damage to the lens and retina of the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.

UVB rays

UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and do not penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays. UVB rays can cause damage to the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye, and are associated with the development of pterygium and pinguecula growths on the conjunctiva.

Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to the overall risk of skin and eye damage, including the risk of skin cancer and various eye conditions. Prolonged and unprotected exposure to these rays can have cumulative effects over time, increasing the likelihood of health problems.

To protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, it’s important to take preventive measures such as wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, and seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest. 

What sunglasses are best at blocking UV rays? 

When selecting sunglasses that effectively block UV rays, it’s important to look for certain features and characteristics to ensure you’re getting proper protection for your eyes. Choose sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection and look for labels indicating that the sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays.

Lens material can also impact the quality of protection. Polycarbonate and high-quality plastic lenses often come with built-in UV protection. They can block most of the harmful UV rays while providing durability and impact resistance.

Be sure to buy sunglasses that fit well and provide good coverage around the eyes to help prevent UV rays from entering from the sides or top of the frames. Sunglasses with larger lenses or wraparound styles can offer better protection by minimizing the amount of UV rays that can reach your eyes from different angles.

Where can I buy UV blocking sunglasses? 

Choose sunglasses from reputable brands or manufacturers that are known for producing high-quality eyewear with proper UV protection. SmartBuyGlasses, a leading online retailer of prescription eyewear, has one of the largest selections of sunglasses, including UV protection. 

When buying from retailers like SmartBuyGlasses, you are guaranteed a pair of glasses that will help protect your eyes against the sun. With so many different lens types out there, it is crucial to ensure you’re wearing something that is shielding your eyes from the sun. If you have questions, SmartBuyGlasses’ in-house Opticians can answer any questions you may have, for free. 

Protecting your eyes from UVA and UVB rays is not only about maintaining clear vision but also about safeguarding your ocular health for the long term. By taking simple steps to shield your eyes from harmful UV radiation, you can enjoy better eye health and preserve your vision well into the future.