During the summer months, it’s common to spend more time outside in the warm weather and sunshine. This increase in time outdoors also extends exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, a form of radiation caused by sunlight. Without proper eye protection, exposure to UV rays can lead to eye damage, and in some cases, vision loss.
“Sunglasses are going to offer the best protection against UV rays. While a hat or umbrella can shade your eyes, they aren’t going to block the harmful UV light that can damage your eyes. Also, many people only think to wear a hat or umbrella during a sunny day, while harmful UV rays are present even on overcast days,” Bryana Davis, board-certified optician [ABO], said.
UV protection and polarization are necessary for sunglasses to provide the best eye protection.
“UV blocking coatings and materials protect your eyes from damaging UV rays while polarization helps reduce glare, improve visual clarity, and cut down on eye strain,” Davis said. “Combined they offer the best protection and comfort.”
The need for proper protection for vision against UV rays also extends beyond the summer or when it’s sunny outside.
“The most vital time of the day though is between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most damaging,” Davis said.
Patients seeking effective protection from eye damage should check if their lenses are polarized and offer UV protection. With sunglasses frames, it’s important to check for adequate coverage.
“Frames that are larger with a bit of wrap, or face form, will aid in making sure you have the full range of protection,” Davis said.
At the Carle Health Optical Shop in Champaign, a team of opticians can help patients find sunglasses with the most UV protection and meet their unique vision needs.
“Our certified opticians will ask questions about your lifestyle, hobbies, style preferences and eye conditions so that we can best direct you when choosing a pair of sunglasses,” Davis said. “There are certain options that work well with specific tasks and activities. For example, patients may choose a polarized amber or rose lens for golfing or fishing to help with contrast. Each pair is custom made to your specifications to make sure they are the best fit for what you need.”
A virtual try-on tool is also available to see how brands, styles, and colors of glasses will look like.
“While it is always important to protect your eyes, it is particularly important to wear them when on the water, snow, or sand,” Davis said. “UV light rays can reflect off the surface and double your exposure to harmful ultraviolet light, which can lead to photokeratitis, or eye sun burn. Year-round sun protection is vital for healthy eyes.”
For more information about Eye Care at Carle Health, visit Carle.org.
“Sunglasses are going to offer the best protection against UV rays. While a hat or umbrella can shade your eyes, they aren’t going to block the harmful UV light that can damage your eyes. Also, many people only think to wear a hat or umbrella during a sunny day, while harmful UV rays are present even on overcast days,” Bryana Davis, board-certified optician [ABO], said.
UV protection and polarization are necessary for sunglasses to provide the best eye protection.
“UV blocking coatings and materials protect your eyes from damaging UV rays while polarization helps reduce glare, improve visual clarity, and cut down on eye strain,” Davis said. “Combined they offer the best protection and comfort.”
The need for proper protection for vision against UV rays also extends beyond the summer or when it’s sunny outside.
“The most vital time of the day though is between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most damaging,” Davis said.
Patients seeking effective protection from eye damage should check if their lenses are polarized and offer UV protection. With sunglasses frames, it’s important to check for adequate coverage.
“Frames that are larger with a bit of wrap, or face form, will aid in making sure you have the full range of protection,” Davis said.
At the Carle Health Optical Shop in Champaign, a team of opticians can help patients find sunglasses with the most UV protection and meet their unique vision needs.
“Our certified opticians will ask questions about your lifestyle, hobbies, style preferences and eye conditions so that we can best direct you when choosing a pair of sunglasses,” Davis said. “There are certain options that work well with specific tasks and activities. For example, patients may choose a polarized amber or rose lens for golfing or fishing to help with contrast. Each pair is custom made to your specifications to make sure they are the best fit for what you need.”
A virtual try-on tool is also available to see how brands, styles, and colors of glasses will look like.
“While it is always important to protect your eyes, it is particularly important to wear them when on the water, snow, or sand,” Davis said. “UV light rays can reflect off the surface and double your exposure to harmful ultraviolet light, which can lead to photokeratitis, or eye sun burn. Year-round sun protection is vital for healthy eyes.”
For more information about Eye Care at Carle Health, visit Carle.org.
Categories: Staying Healthy
Tags: Eye, Glasses, Lenses, Ophthalmology, Optical, Optometry, Protection, Shop, Sun, UV