Be Aware of the Danger that Ultraviolet Rays Pose to Your Eyes

Because of education to increase knowledge of the dangers of Ultraviolet (UV) exposure to your skin, (which include sunburn and skin cancer), most are aware of the importance of using sunscreen and using other protective measures during outdoor activities. What is less known is that UV and other harmful types of radiation from the sun also pose a risk to your eyes.
 

If you are considering leaving the house without proper eye protection, think again. Continual exposure to the sun's UV rays has been seen to be a cause of eye damage.
 

Risks of UV Eye Exposure

Excessive short term exposure to UV is known to result in a ''sunburn on the eye'', leading to pain, blurred vision or even temporary blindness. Long-term ultraviolet exposure can lead to more threatening eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and others, all of which can be a threat to vision. Individuals that come into frequent contact with welding machines, tanning beds and lasers are also at increased risk of exposure to UV radiation.
 

How to Choose Protective Sunglasses

For proper UV protection, sunglasses should completely block all UV rays. Look for shades that specify they are ''UV 400'', which means that they prevent all UV light (400 refers to the wavelength of light in nanometers).
 

You also want to choose sunglasses with full eye coverage. Wraparound sunglasses can block dangerous ultraviolet light from coming in through the backside of the sunglasses.
 

It's not necessary to spend a lot of money on your sunglasses to have proper UV coverage, but it's essential to be sure the sunglasses offer complete UV coverage. Many less expensive brands do offer proper UV defense. Further, as well as guarding your eyes from the harmful sunlight, stylish sunglasses are at the height of fashion, so find something you love and have fun in the sun!