As a result of ongoing education to create awareness of the threats of Ultraviolet (UV) light to your skin, (which include sunburn and skin cancer), most are familiar with the importance of applying sunblock and using other forms of sun protection particularly during the blazing summer months. But did you know that ultraviolet rays and other radiation from the sun are also a threat to your eyes?
If you often face the sun without sunglasses, consider this: Extended exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation has been seen to be a cause of eye damage.
UV Eye Damage
Excessive short term exposure to UV is known to cause photokeratitis or a ''sunburn on the eye'', leading to pain, blurred vision or even temporary vision loss. Long-term UV exposure can cause more serious eye diseases including cataracts, macular degeneration, and others, all of which can cause vision loss. Just like the real thing, tanning beds present a serious risk of overexposure to UV.
UV Eye Protection
For effective UV protection, you should be careful to select sunglasses that keep out 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation. Look for shades labeled ''UV 400'', which indicates that they block all UV light from entering your eyes (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 rays from coming in through the sides and back of the frame.
It's not necessary to empty your pockets to have enough UV protection, but you should not buy anything until you are certain the sunglasses give full UV defense. More and more manufacturers recognize the importance of offering proper defense against the threatening effects of exposure to sunlight. The great news is that as well as defending your eyes from the harmful sunlight, stylish sunglasses are all the rage, so find something you love and have fun in the sun!
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