We’re all aware that too much sun can cause skin cancer, but did you know the sun’s ultraviolet rays can also do lasting damage to your eyes?
That’s why it’s important for everyone to wear sunglasses and other lenses that block UV rays.
What is Ultraviolet Light?
UV radiation refers to the invisible rays that come from the sun and can harm our eyesight. Most notably, these rays are UVA and UVB.
UVA rays can hurt your central vision by damaging the lens and retina, which can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. UVB rays can damage the front part of your eye, possibly leading to growths on the eye surface and causing corneal issues and distorted vision.
UV rays can come from many directions. They radiate directly from the sun, but they also are reflected from the ground, water, snow, sand and other bright surfaces. These rays can affect your eyes even when it’s cloudy.
These are some of the problems caused by UV rays:
- Macular Degeneration, which is a loss of central vision.
- Cataracts, which blur your eye’s lens and cause cloudy vision.
- Pterygium, a growth of pink, fleshly tissue that begins on the white of the eye.
- Photokeratitis, or “Sunburn of the eye,” which causes red eyes, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing.
The longer your eyes are exposed to solar radiation, the greater the risk of developing cataracts or macular degeneration later in life. That’s why it’s important for adults and children to wear sunglasses with up to 100% UV protection. And if you wear regular glasses or contacts, those lenses should have UV protection as well.
Preventing the damaging effects of ultraviolet light is simple. First and foremost, you should limit your exposure to the sun, and when you are in the sun you should wear proper eye protection and a broad-brimmed hat to block the sun’s rays from your eyes as much as possible.
Eyewear created to block UV rays gives you the most protection. All types of eyewear - including prescription and non-prescription glasses, contact lenses and lens implants - should block UVA and UVB rays.
Children and teenagers are at special risk from the harmful effects of UV rays, since their eyes do not have the same ability as adults to filter out some UV radiation. They also often spend more time outside than adults. Parents should teach kids the importance of wearing sunglasses and hats to block the sun’s rays. And any glasses they wear should be designed to block UV rays and glare.
You should choose sunglasses that:
- Block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Are polarized to reduce glare and brightness.
- Are impact-resistant to further protect your eyes.
- Are comfortable to wear.
- Do not distort colors.
Things to consider when buying eyewear for outdoor activities:
- Wraparound frames provide more sun protection and can help block wind and debris.
- Lenses made from polycarbonate material are more impact-resistant and are lighter weight.
- Color makes a difference. Gray or green lenses are good for bright conditions, while yellow, amber or orange-red tints can increase contrast and clarity. The color you choose depends on your needs.
- Adding polarization to your lenses reduces glare and filters haze.
Come in and talk to us. We want to help you find the lenses that are right for your needs and to make sure your eyes get the ultimate protection.
We are excited to share that we have decided to carry State Optical frames. These frames are made in the United States, and even more exciting right here in Vernon Hills, Illinois. These handcrafted frames are made through a process which takes 2 weeks from start to finish, and requires over 50% of all work done by hand. We have also taken the factory tour, and watched first-hand how these frames are produced. The detail and skill they build into each frame is truly special and one of a kind. Please stop in the office anytime to see the collection in person.
On Wednesday April 26th, the office will be closed for staff training. We are visiting one of the labs we work with to continue our education on the newest technology in making lenses. We are so sorry for any inconvenience this causes and will be back open Thursday, April 27th, 8 am to 5 pm.
It's that time of year again. Best of the Fox voting through the Northwest Herald has started. You can vote for all your favorite businesses in the McHenry County Area. You can follow the link below to vote.
https://shawnews.secondstreetapp.com/l/Northwest-Heralds-Best-of-the-Fox-2017-1
After a lot of hard work with EyeMotion, our website company, we’re pleased to be launching our brand-new website. Our goal has been to create a site that would assist you in learning about us, whether it’s finding our location or email form, reading about our wonderful eye doctors, or discovering some of our quality products and services.
Have questions about an eye issue? We think you might also benefit from our great optometric content on eye diseases and conditions.
Our plan is to use this area to keep you informed on new offerings, sales, trunk shows, events, and so much more. Check back here from time to time to keep updated.
We’re glad you found us, and we hope to see you soon!