The Harmful Effects of UV Radiation and How We Can Protect Ourselves

UV Radiation From the Air

This spring is currently on a high, so the sun is as bright and beaming as ever. However, UV radiation is on the march, especially in the West Coast. There are two sides of the coin when it comes to our sun. On one side lies the sun as a supporter of life on the surface and the other side lies the danger of ultraviolet radiation. UV rays has the power to cause irreversible vision damage and eye diseases. Even on a overcast day, UV rays can reflect off of sand, water, cars, and buildings. So overall, this will cause a damper to your golf game. In all seriousness, it is best to be aware of what kind of severe damage that UV sun rays can cause and the types of lenses that we should utilize.

Different Types of UV

As all California residents know, UV rays from the blistering sun can damage our skin if we don’t protect it. Excessive time outside will most likely cause sunburn, which is usually temporary. In addition, prolong eye exposure to UV radiation is like a “sunburn of the eye”. The effects can be from temporary to permanent. There are two types of UV radiation that can harmfully effect the eye: UV-A and UV-B. The central vision of your eye is most affected by UV-A. It can also damage the Macula (a part of the retina) located in the back of your eye. UV-B effects the cornea and the lens, the front of your eyes which may be more damaging.

Damages to Your Eyes

Indeed, there are several severe eye diseases and conditions rooted by overexposure to UV radiation:

Skin Cancer: Prolonged exposure can cause this in and around the eyelids.
Cataracts: A clouding of the eye’s natural lens, meaning the part of our eye that focuses on the light we see. 10% of these cases directly relate to exposure.
Pterygium: A pink, non-cancerous growth that is developed on the white of the eyeball, maybe involving the cornea. This may lead to your vision block. Also known as “surfer’s eye”.
Macular Degeneration: Damage to the retina and the leading cause of age-related blindness.
Photokeratitis: A result of high short-term exposure to UV-B rays. Includes painful symptoms such as red eyes, extreme sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, a gritty eye feeling, and short-term loss of vision. Also known as “corneal sunburn”, fortunately the symptoms are temporary.

Finding Protection For Your Eyes

Sunglasses and hats can, no doubt, provide substantial protection against the sun’s UV lights. They can block out about 99-100% of sunlight radiation. Furthermore, special UV protective lenses has been developed to operate as both regular eyeglasses and sunglasses in one form. Inglewood Optometric Center carries dozens of lenses; in many weights, tints, and thicknesses, among them are transitions lenses. These lenses are composed of photochromatic technology that can change from a completely clear lens to a darker lens, depending on the light conditions that you’re in. The lenses are reactive to sunlight and indirect light. The features it offers are 100% UV ray blockage, which are available in any prescription and design. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, transitions lens will make it so you never have to keep changing glasses again.

Transitions glasses available in-store.

Every protection that you can find against UV rays can be a great resistance to these eye diseases and vision damages. Schedule your appointment at Inglewood Optometric Center to seek out your protective lenses as well as finding frames from top brands, custom fittings, eye checkups, and eye care treatments. Our optometry team will ensure that your eyes receive the best treatment against UV radiation.