What Are We Doing To Protect Our Eyes From The Sun?

Fall is upon us, but that doesn't mean the sun isn't out there shining just as bright. Eye damage from the sun occurs in all seasons and in all areas, so take a minute to think about what you are doing to protect your eyes.

There have been many studies conducted that show how permanent damage can be caused to the eyes as a result of extremely long periods of sun exposure as well as damage to others without the correct eye protection. The two biggest factors that cause these are UV ray exposure and sun glare.

Ultra Violet (UV) lights (broken down into two types: UVA and UVB) are components in sunlight that are responsible for most eye damage. UV light that enters the eye can cause sunburn of the eye (Photokeratitis). Because UV light carries a higher energy level than visible light, during the process of the eye absorbing the light it creates heat or a chemical reaction that happens in the eye tissue that can cause permanent damage if the eye feels overwhelmed and cannot heal itself naturally. Being overexposed to UV light is also on the leading factors in the premature development of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Intense sunlight creates glare that causes one of the most dangerous conditions while driving. The majority of accidents that happen as a result of sun glare are during rush hour and during the beginning of school days. Glare is very bothersome and discomforting to the eyes that will cause them to strain to be able to be able to see which results in people squinting, encountering eye fatigue, and in some cases even temporary blindness.

So what are WE doing to protect our eyes from the sun? Sunglasses are the best way to help prevent this from happening as well as keep the eyes protected but most people don’t realize that there is a difference between generic type sunglasses, and sunglasses from an eyeglass office. Generic sunglasses are made from a very low grade of plastic that can actually be more of a hindrance on your overall vision than a benefit. Sunglasses from an eyeglass office are actually made of a higher-grade material that will improve the overall clarity of your vision as well as protect your eyes properly. Generic type sunglasses may say that they have a UV filter and can protect the eyes from glare but they typically 1. Will only protect against UVA and not UVB (which is actually the more damaging of the two) and 2. The glare treatment that is on the lenses is a temporary coating that is only effective from one to three months. Sunglasses from an eyeglass office actually have a UVA and UVB filter built into ALL of the lenses so it is ensured protection. Also, they have lenses that have a built in glare protection as well so you can protect your eyes from glare.

Where can you find these wonderful lenses? SEEN Vision Care in Dearborn not only has prescription but also non-prescription polarized sunglasses available to ALL! Stop on in or give us a call to start on the path to healthier vision! Have you been SEEN today?