Blog

The sun’s warm rays and the radiant glow it casts upon the world can make us feel alive and energized. However, beneath its brilliant exterior lies a hidden danger – ultraviolet (UV) rays. These invisible rays are a potent threat to our eyes, potentially causing a range of eye problems and long-term damage. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of UV rays and explore why quality sunglasses are indispensable when it comes to safeguarding our precious vision.

Understanding UV Rays

Before we dive into the importance of quality sunglasses, let’s grasp the basics of UV rays. Ultraviolet radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. There are three types of UV rays, namely UVA, UVB, and UVC. However, UVC rays are typically absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and do not reach us. UVA and UVB rays, on the other hand, can penetrate the atmosphere and pose risks to our eyes and skin.

1. UVA Rays: UVA rays are the ones responsible for premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. They can also contribute to the development of certain skin cancers. In terms of eye health, UVA rays can cause long-term damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
2. UVB Rays: UVB rays are even more potent than UVA rays and are primarily responsible for causing sunburn and more severe skin damage. They are also associated with the development of skin cancer, including melanoma. In terms of the eyes, UVB rays can cause photokeratitis (similar to sunburn of the cornea) and may contribute to the development of cataracts.

The Vulnerability of Your Eyes to UV Damage

Our eyes are incredibly sensitive to UV radiation, and prolonged exposure to UV rays can have devastating consequences. Here are some of the eye conditions and problems that can result from UV damage:

1. Cataracts: Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. They occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision. Prolonged UV exposure is a known risk factor for cataract development.
2. Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is another common eye condition that can lead to severe vision loss. UV exposure, particularly UVB rays, has been linked to an increased risk of AMD.
3. Pterygium: Pterygium is a growth of pink, fleshy tissue on the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye). It can cause discomfort and affect vision. UV exposure, especially from the sun and reflective surfaces like water and sand, is a significant risk factor for pterygium.
4. Photokeratitis: Often referred to as “sunburn of the eye,” photokeratitis is a painful condition that results from excessive UV exposure. It causes symptoms such as eye pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
5. Skin Cancer Around the Eyes: The skin around the eyes is particularly thin and sensitive, making it more susceptible to skin cancer caused by UV damage.

The Role of Quality Sunglasses

Now that we understand the potential risks posed by UV rays, it’s time to explore how quality sunglasses can help mitigate these dangers.

1. UV Protection: Quality sunglasses are designed to provide effective UV protection. They block a significant portion of UVA and UVB rays, reducing the amount of harmful radiation that reaches your eyes. Look for sunglasses labeled with UV400 or 100% UV protection to ensure adequate shielding.
2. Reduced Glare: Sunglasses with polarized lenses are particularly beneficial as they reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, roads, and snow. This not only enhances visual comfort but also helps protect your eyes from the intense, direct glare of the sun.
3. Full Coverage: High-quality sunglasses often have larger lenses and wraparound designs that provide better coverage for your eyes. This means less UV radiation can sneak in from the sides, top, or bottom of the glasses.
4. Comfort and Clarity: Quality sunglasses are crafted with precision, ensuring optimal visual clarity and comfort. They are less likely to distort your vision or cause eye strain, which can be a concern with lower-quality eyewear.
5. Durability: Investing in quality sunglasses often means you’re purchasing a durable product that will withstand wear and tear. This can save you money in the long run, as you won’t need to replace your sunglasses as frequently.
6. Prescription Options: If you wear prescription glasses, you can still enjoy the benefits of UV protection by choosing prescription sunglasses. Many reputable eyewear brands offer prescription lenses with UV protection, allowing you to safeguard your eyes without compromising on vision correction.

Choosing the Right Pair of Sunglasses

When shopping for quality sunglasses, here are some key factors to consider:

1. UV Protection: Ensure that the sunglasses provide 100% UV protection or are labeled as and have been tested to the sunglasses standard BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013+A1:2015 and are conforming to the PPE regulation 2016/425.
2. Lens Quality: Look for lenses made from high-quality materials that offer optical clarity and are impact-resistant. Polycarbonate lenses are normally a good choice for sunglasses.
3. Polarization: Consider polarized lenses if you spend time around reflective surfaces or if you’re sensitive to glare.
4. Fit: Choose sunglasses that fit comfortably and securely on your face, providing adequate coverage.
5. Style: While protection should be the top priority, don’t forget about style. Select sunglasses that match your fashion preferences and lifestyle.
6. Suitability for Driving and Road use. Consider the light shade sunglasses which include filter category 1, 2 and 3. These categories directly indicate the level of light transmission through the lenses, with category 1 being lighter than category 3 . Avoid category 4 sunglasses as these are very dark and not suitable for driving and road use. These category 4 sunglasses should have been labelled with warning that these sunglasses are not suitable for driving by the supplier.
7. Traffic signal recognition lens: when choosing the colour of the lens, make sure to choose the colour which can recognize the traffic signals colour while driving I have tested so many sunglasses and found that they are not suitable for driving due to its inability to recognise the traffic signals i.e the red or green colour would not be recognizable by the user when using these lenses. So, choose grey or black or brown colour lens and stay away from the coloured lenses e.g red, blue, orange unless you know that they have been tested and have passed the traffic signal recognition test.
8. Optical properties. The sunglasses should have zero power, prism and astigmatism and if you find a pair of sunglasses giving you head while wearing them that means the optical properties are not good and have either some power or prism & astigmatism in the lenses. This can be checked with an optician or sent back to the supplier.

In the quest to protect our eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays, quality sunglasses emerge as our steadfast allies. They not only shield our eyes from the invisible dangers of UVA and UVB rays but also provide comfort, clarity, and style. Investing in a high-quality pair of sunglasses is an investment in your long-term eye health and overall well-being. So, the next time you step out into the sun, make sure you’re armed with the ultimate eye protection – quality sunglasses. Your eyes will thank you for it.

If you are sunglasses supplier or manufacturer and wanted to test your sunglasses for quality and as per sunglasses standard BS EN ISO 12312-1:2022, then contact us and we would be happy to help or for more information on our testing services please click on sunglasses testing to find out more.