When it comes to your eyes, a ray of sunshine isn’t always a good thing. In sunny South Africa we are exposed to ultraviolet rays 365 days of the year and, although UV rays are weaker in winter, they still can damage your skin and eyes.
You already know not to look directly at the sun, and to wear a hat that shades your eyes. However, it’s also vital to invest in a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, all year round.
Quality sunnies will filter out both UVA and UVB rays and protect your eyes from discomfort and potential damage. This is important as both kinds of ray can be dangerous: UVB burns and UVA alters DNA below the skin’s surface.
Shades for young and old
Whatever your age, you should slip on a pair of shades when you head out into the sun.
Children under 16 are often outdoors more than adults which puts them at greater risk for eye damage. The lenses inside their eyes are also more transparent than those of adults, letting in more light.
As the harm often doesn’t show up until later – sometimes after 40 – make sure to protect little ones’ eyes from early on with a sunhat and sunglasses.
Remember also that the un’s UV radiation takes a cumulative toll. This means that older people are even more at risk for eye health issues such as cancer of the eye lids, cataracts and macular degeneration.
What to look for
So, just how much UV protection do you need? The answer lies within the numbered rating, so look for a pair marked “UV 400”, the highest rating offered. This filters out up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays.
Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be safe and effective. However, ome cheap sunglasses may not provide adequate UV protection and this can be riskier than wearing none at all as the pupils will dilate, letting more harmful rays into the eyes.
Don’t be fooled by an extra-dark pair of shades either, as the tint of the lens has nothing to do with UV protection. It only helps to cut the brightness of the light reaching your eyes.
Not sure what rating your pair has? Ask your optometrist to check it for you.
Polarised sunglasses
Polarised sunglasses work by using a special filter to block glare and intense light reflected off shiny flat surfaces like water. As polarisation improves visibility and reduces discomfort, they are often recommended for water sports.
However, they don’t always offer the best protection against UV rays so make sure to ask for a combination of polarisation and UV protection.
Does the frame matter?
The options are endless but for better eye protection choose wraparound frames.
These give maximum coverage by “wrapping” the lens around more of the eye area. They are also great for sports, as they help your peripheral vision.
What about my prescription?
You can ask your optometrist to make sunglasses in your prescription.
Alternately, if you don’t want to buy another pair of spectacles, you might ask for a UV coating to be added, or buy ClipOns that attach to your existing prescription glasses.
Whatever option you choose, sunnies are a vital tool to keep your eyes healthy this summer and into the future!
- See also Protect your eyes this summer.
Date Published: 01 December 2022
