The Facts on UV Radiation and Sunglasses

Sunlight provides the most common exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunlight reflected off snow or sand, at high altitudes and in areas closer to the equator is the richest form of UV radiation.

The two types of UV radiation, UV-A and UV-B, can seriously damage the retina. Research indicates there is a link between UV radiation and macular degeneration.

Over-exposure to UV radiation can cause benign growths on the eye’s surface; cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes, and photokeratitis, sometimes called snow blindness, which is a temporary, painful sunburn of the eye’s surface.

The eye’s natural UV protection is found in the cornea and the crystalline lens. They absorb all UV-B and most UV-A radiation. The radiation that doesn’t get absorbed, however, causes changes in the lens and may result in a cataract. The radiation absorbed by the cornea causes an inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva.

People who have cataract surgery lose their natural UV protection in the affected eye. Most of today’s lens implants replace the natural UV protection. Those whose cataract surgery was not recent should ask their surgeon if their lens implant has UV protection. If not, they need to wear sunglasses and other prescription glasses with maximum UV protection.

Some prescription drugs can increase a person’s sensitivity to UV radiation like oral contraceptives and acne mediations containing tetracyclines.

Sunglass labels vary by manufacturer and may be misleading. The color or darkness of the sunglasses is not directly related to how much protection they offer.

Wide-brimmed hats can block about 50 percent of UV radiation from reaching the eyes.

Discuss with your optometrist or ophthalmologist what kind of sunglasses best fit your needs. Your doctor will consider your lifestyle, eye health, work, and vision before recommending sunglasses.