Sun Glasses - not only Just Cool Shades

As you slather on sunscreen to protect your skin this summer, don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes. The same harmful rays that damage skin can also increase your risk of developing eye problems, such as cataracts–a clouding of the eye’s lens that develops over years.

In the short-term, people who spend long hours on the beach or in the snow without adequate eye protection can develop photokeratitis, reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition can result in temporary loss of vision. When sunlight reflects off of snow, sand and water, it further increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These invisible high-energy rays lie just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum.

You don’t have to be Joe Cool to realize the benefits of wearing sunglasses on a consistent basis. Most people remember to slather on the sunscreen during hot summer months to protect their skin from burning. Unfortunately many also forget to wear proper sunglasses to protect their eyes from excessive exposure to UV rays.

Even though sunglasses are exempt from premarket notification, they remain subject to several regulations. Sunglasses regulated by the FDA must comply with impact-resistant requirements, for example. This doesn’t mean that the glasses are shatterproof, but that they can withstand moderate impact. Sunglasses are not intended to function as protective eyewear in high-impact sports.

Manufacturers of sunglasses also must follow the FDA’s labeling regulations. The FDA has issued warning letters to manufacturers about unsubstantiated performance claims, such as those relating to UV-absorbing sunglasses.

UVA and UVB

• UVA: UVA is ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths from 320-400 nanometers. It passes through the Earth’s ozone layer and can cause early aging of the skin.
• UVB: UVB is ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths of 280-320 nanometers. The ozone layer absorbs most of the sun’s UVB, but even a small amount can do substantial damage. UVB causes skin cancer and may contribute to cataracts.

If you are someone who spends any length of time outdoors you should invest in ample eye protection. Did you know you can actually burn the cornea of your eye, resulting in temporary vision loss?

Sunglasses are vital for protecting your eyes year round. The sun is just as damaging to the eyes in the winter as it reflects off the snow as it is during hot, summer months. Anyone who is out in the sun is at risk for sun damage if they do not wear protective eye wear.