What Are UV Rays?

Ultraviolet rays are a type of radiation from the sun, and they can be extremely harmful to our eyesight. UV radiation is invisible, and you're at risk every time you are outdoors - even on a cloudy or rainy day. There are three bands of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. We don't need to be concerned with UVC rays, as they don't even reach the Earth's surface. However, UVA and UVB rays can be dangerous and may cause eye cancer, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

UVB rays are what cause sunburns, and they will damage the eyes. If you are outside in the winter, UVB rays - along with snow and wind - can cause a painful temporary condition called photokeratitis (snow blindness). Long term exposure to UVB rays may lead to cataracts or eye growths in later life. UVA rays are mostly absorbed by the human eye, but some doctors claim that long term exposure to this radiation can cause eye problems.

How Much UV Protection Is Enough?

When you're buying sunglasses, you need to find a pair that blocks 99-100% of UV rays. If you buy sunglasses with a lower percentage than that, you are putting yourself at risk. Remember, UVC rays don't reach your eyes so there's no need to look for sunglasses that block those rays. Also, keep in mind that UV protection is entirely voluntary for sunglasses manufacturers, so you may find that there are companies that offer products with very little protection.

Tinted Sunglasses

Don't think that a darkly tinted pair of sunglasses will protect you from UV rays - the tinting or coating has nothing to do with the level of UV blockage. Tinted sunglasses will give you increased comfort, especially if there are reflections from water, snow or your windshield. Looking at direct sunlight can be even more uncomfortable for people on certain medications that increase photosensitivity, or for contact lens wearers. So, tinted sunglasses can make it easier to drive on a sunny day or lay on the beach without squinting, but they won't be of any help when it comes to blocking out UV rays.

Sunglasses For Children

Children should definitely wear eye protection when they're outdoors. Since kids are usually exposed to more sunlight than adults, and their eyes are more sensitive, it's important that parents buy sunglasses that offer at least 99% UV protection. Sun damage is also cumulative, which means that they steps you take now to protect your child's eyes will mean better eye health in later years.