The eyes are arguably the most important of the five senses because they are vital in communication and navigation. To ensure you can still do this in old age, it is essential that you take steps to keep your eyes healthy from a young age.

One of the most impactful and least considered eye threats is the sun's rays; they are, after all, natural, right? Unfortunately, the sun’s rays are natural but produce harmful UV rays that impact your eye health.

What Are UV Rays?

UV or ultraviolet rays are a high-energy invisible light spectrum just past the violet spectrum. The name “ultraviolet” was a play on the impact of this invisible spectrum on photographic paper because it turned it much darker than violet light.

Since its discovery in 1801, scientists and eye doctors have discovered its various effects on many biological and chemical processes. One of the significant discoveries was its impact on the eyes' health.

Why Is UV Protection Important?

UV light can significantly impact the structure of biological life, including human bodies. Doctors recommend sunscreen in summer whenever you go out to keep your skin safe.

Additionally, your eyes are exposed to the harmful effects of this invisible wavelength. The damage that UV light from the sun causes is cumulative, and it begins when you are still young. Children are at a bigger risk of experiencing UV damage than adults because they spend most of their time outdoors.

Moreover, their eye lenses are more transparent, so most UV light penetrates deep into their eye structures. While considering cumulative UV damage, any eye condition that develops later in life that is UV-related starts forming when you are still young.

Damage Can Happen in a Day

If you go out in the sun without any protection, you can experience the impact of the harmful light. One of the most common results of short-term exposure to UV light is corneal sunburn or photokeratitis.

This harrowing and uncomfortable condition causes a gritty feeling or the sensation of a foreign body in the eye and red eyes. It also causes excessive tearing and intense sensitivity to light. However, many of these symptoms are not permanent and do not cause any lasting eye damage, fading away in time.

Long-term Exposure

The impact of long-term solar radiation on UV-related eye conditions is not yet known. So many experts recommend UV protection eyewear whenever you go out, even during winter. They also advise using wide-brimmed hats to cover the exposed areas that sunglasses do not cover.

How Much Protection Do You Need?

• Your sunglasses should have a UV rating of 400 to block out 100% UVA and UVB light for the best results

• They should screen out 75% to 90% of all visible light

• Ensure the lenses are flawlessly matched and free of imperfection or distortion so they do not interfere with your vision

• Gray lenses are much better at maintaining color recognition

For more on the importance of UV protection sunglasses, visit Krystal Vision at our office in Logan, Utah. Call (435) 752-5796 to book an appointment today.