Ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun are greatly dangerous for your eyes. Fortunately, sunglasses provide the necessary protection against high levels of UV light during any weather. But, how do you know if you have enough UV protection? Learn more in today’s post from Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic.
Sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays offer the best defense against these and other sun-related damage. However, not all sunglasses provide the same level of protection. When selecting sunglasses, look for pairs labeled with “UV 400” or “100% protection against UVA and UVB rays.” This indicates that the lenses are designed to block all harmful light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which covers both UVA and UVB radiation.
It’s a common misconception that darker lenses offer better UV protection. The color and darkness of your sunglasses’ lenses only affect how much visible light the lenses block, not their ability to filter out UV rays. Without proper UV protection, darker lenses could trick your eyes into dilating more, potentially allowing more harmful UV rays to penetrate.
To ensure your sunglasses are still providing adequate protection, particularly if they are older or have been significantly used, consider having them tested. Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic can help you find a sunglass set with true protection against UVA and UVB light.
If you spend a great deal of time outdoors or near reflective surfaces such as water or snow, wraparound sunglasses or larger frames offer additional protection by blocking UV rays from entering around the edges of the glasses. Polarized lenses, which help reduce glare from reflective surfaces and are ideal for driving or water sports, do not inherently offer UV protection unless specified. Always check the label or with a professional at your local optical shop to confirm the level of UV protection provided by your sunglasses.
There are some simple methods you can try at home to test the effectiveness of your sunglasses’ UV protection. For instance, using a UV flashlight and a currency note, you can check for UV filtering capabilities based on how the note reacts under the light through the lenses. However, for definitive results, seeking professional testing is advised.
UV energy isn’t only transmitted to and absorbed by the eyes during sunny days – it’s an energy that continues to permeate all year, including rainy, cloudy and snowy days. It’s always wise to wear your UV-protective eyeglasses or sunglasses to prolong your eyes’ lifespans and keep them safe from the dangers of UV.
If you’d like to know more about UV protection or have your eyes checked, contact Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic and set your appointment by dialing any of the following numbers: (425) 771-8472 (Lynnwood, WA) or (425) 485-0430 (Bothell, WA). You can also fill out our appointment form at your convenience.