There’s More to the UV Index than Just Skin Protection

We see or hear this mentioned practically every day on TV, online, or on the radio. We might pay attention (and we should)—especially if we’re planning to be outdoors—and if we do happen to pay attention, we probably think mostly about our skin and how we can protect it, not our eyes.

It’s called the UV index, and it’s been around since the early 1990s. It’s a daily prediction of the expected level of solar Ultra Violet (UV) radiation in a particular area and the risk of UV overexposure there, using a scale ranging from 0 (low) to 15 (extremely high).

To come up with a daily UV rating in a given area, the U.S. National Weather Service uses computer models to factor in anticipated ozone levels, the angle of sunlight in a region (which varies by season), surface reflectivity (sand, snow, water), and the percentage of cloud cover.

Given the education that’s taken place over the years concerning UV rays as a leading cause of skin aging and skin cancer, it’s no surprise then that most consumers equate the UV Index with what level of sunscreen they need to wear to be safe, how often they need to reapply, or if they should simply stay indoors. Few actually think of the UV index and how it relates to their eyes—but they should because UV rays have been linked to eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, Photokeratitis (snow blindness), and other eye disorders.

Clearly, given the harm that UV rays can do to our eyes, it’s essential that adults and children wear proper eye protection while outside, regardless of the season or time of day.

Luckily, the right pair of glasses—both prescription and non-prescription—can block UV rays, and you don’t need to wear eye gear that makes you look like you’re about to weld the undercarriage of a car to get the protection they need.

CONSUMERS should look for stickers or labels on the sunglasses verifying UV protection or, better yet, ask their optometrist or other eye care professional.

  • Anti-reflective coatings and UV treatments can be added to both sides of prescription lenses for daily protection, and a wide range of prescription sunglasses are available.
  • Non-prescription sunglasses come in a variety of lens and frame options. Different lenses can enhance visual contrast during particular activities, such as driving, golfing, skiing, and boating.

EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS can help educate their patients on the dangers of UV exposure and what they can do to avoid overexposure:

Fashionable as well as functional, polarized sunglasses remain the most practical way to protect the eyes from UV rays. Your eyes are your window to the world. Don’t you owe them the protection they deserve?

For 30 years and counting, Sunglass & Optical has been helping to protect they eyes of San Diego moms, dads, grandmothers, grandads, students, and everyone else in-between with the area’s largest selection of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses.

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