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.

Exposure to UVA and UVB light also increases your risk for cancer in your eyes or in the skin surrounding the eyes. For the ultimate UV protection, use wraparound sunglasses. Unlike traditional frames, these glasses prevent light from entering your eyes from the sides and tops of the frames.

Comfortable Eyes

Moist eyes are comfortable eyes. Unfortunately, spending even an hour in the sun without sunglasses can speed up evaporation of the tear film that lubricates the eyes, causing dryness, itching, burning, and redness. Sunglasses shade your eyes and help slow evaporation.

Think darker is better when it comes to sunglasses? Dark lenses cause your eyes to dilate, making it easier for ultraviolet light to reach your eyes, according to The Vision Council. If your dark lenses don't offer UV protection, wearing them could do more harm than good. Be sure to check labels when shopping, and choose sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB light. Gray, green, and brown UV lenses are also available and can provide more contrast than dark lenses.

Fewer Wrinkles

Limiting sun exposure may help you avoid premature signs of aging around your eyes and painful sunburn. UVA light causes visible signs of aging, while UVB rays burn the skin, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. You're not safe even if you tan. In addition to increasing your skin cancer risk, tanning damages the skin and can be a factor in wrinkles and age spots around the eyes.

No Unsightly Growths

Sun exposure may also trigger the formation of fleshy bumps called pterygium on the whites of your eyes. Pterygium are generally harmless, though they can cause astigmatism or interfere with vision.

Reduced Risk for Sunburned Eye

If you think sunburned eyes sound painful, you're right. Called photokeratitis, this condition is more common in people who spend time around reflective surfaces, like snow or sand, but can affect anyone who doesn't wear sunglasses with UV protection. Although photokeratitis pain improves within a few days, enduring pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and watery eyes for even a few hours can be very uncomfortable.

Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is the best way to protect your eyes year-round. Need a new pair of prescription or non-prescription sunglasses or goggles? UV Safety Awareness Month, observed every July, is the perfect time to upgrade your eyewear. Stop by our office and take a look at our sunglass selection, or call to schedule an appointment with the optometrist if you need an exam.

Sources:

JAMA Ophthalmology: Assessment Levels of Ultraviolet A Light Protection in Automobile Windshield and Side Windows, 7/2016

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2522190

Oculofacial Society: Eyelid Skin Cancer

https://www.asoprs.org/periocular-skin-cancer

American Optometric Association: The Heat Is On: Ensure Patients’ Protective Eyewear Is, Too, 5/22/2024

https://www.aoa.org/news/clinical-eye-care/health-and-wellness/protecting-patients-eye-summer?sso=y

National Eye Institute: Keep Your Eyes Healthy: Wear Sunglasses

https://nei.nih.gov/hvm/healthy_eyes_glasses

The Vision Council: Hidden Dangers of UV: Keeping Your Eyes Safe, 2011

https://thevisioncouncil.org/sites/default/files/members/VCUVReportv7lrg.pdf