Sunglasses to protect against ultraviolet rays
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun consists of several wavelengths. Although UV-C is blocked by the earth’s atmosphere because of its high energy, UV-A and UV-B pass through it. Precisely, with the arrival of good weather, it is necessary to protect visual health from ultraviolet exposure by means of approved sunglasses. Failure to protect oneself from ultraviolet light when exposure is greatest can lead to the development of pathologies in the retina, crystalline lens, conjunctiva or even the cornea, among other structures… However, adults are not the only group of the population that must take care of their visual health from the harmful effects that ultraviolet light can cause. Children, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to ultraviolet exposure because their crystalline lens does not block it in the same way as in adults. To prevent children’s retina or other ocular structures from being exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet light, they should protect their vision with approved sunglasses that cover as much of their field of vision as possible.
From InterOptics in Alfaz del Pi we provide information on the importance of acquiring glasses from an eye care professional, and how to find out if they are approved by the National Health System.
How do I know that an approved sunglass protects against ultraviolet rays?
The choice of sunglasses is not only a matter of aesthetics or fashion, but it is also very important for the care of visual health. For this reason, it is necessary to be aware that they should not be purchased in unauthorized establishments because they will not protect against ultraviolet light, but will only reduce illumination. In such situations, as a greater pupil dilation is produced by the reduction of illumination, the structures of the eyeball will be more exposed to the harmful effects that ultraviolet can induce. On the contrary, if a sunglasses incorporates the ultraviolet filter will protect from ocular pathologies that such radiation can induce as cataracts or Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) among others … Also, acquiring sunglasses in our optometry center in Alfaz del Pi will ensure that they comply with current European regulations. In addition, our eye care professionals will provide advice on the frame, material, quality of ophthalmic lenses, and even the possibility of graduating the crystals. In order to know that they comply with the regulations, the sunglasses themselves must include the following information:
- Protection against ultraviolet radiation.
- European regulations to which it refers.
- Sunglass filter category.
However, not all categories are valid for certain activities. Thus, for example, for the practice of water sports or high mountain sports, high categories (3 or 4) are recommended, which are not suitable for driving. From our optometry center InterOptics in Alfaz del Pi we advise you to protect your visual health from ultraviolet with an appropriate category. Our eye care professionals will provide recommendations on the most suitable characteristics of sunglasses according to visual needs and fashion trends.
