UV Protection
As we can’t see UV light ordinarily, it is easy to forget that it is there, to the eye, ultra-violet (UV) radiation is a dangerous component inflicting cumulative damage.
UV radiation can be divided into three catagories, each having different effects upon the eye: UVC, UVB & UVA.
UVC is filtered by the Ozone layer and doesn’t reach Earth so we don’t need to worry about that one. Both UVA and UVB, however, penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in many conditions such as premature skin aging, eye damage (including cataracts), and skin cancers.
UVB is absorbed by the eye’s cornea and crystalline lens, exposure to this type of UV causes long term damage. UVA radiation is not absorbed and is able to penetrate through to the back of the eye making this the most harmful type of UV.
UV protection is very important, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors, in sunny climes or are at high altitude or in snow. After all you can’t put suncream on your eyes!
Special lens materials, tints and coatings can be applied to your spectacle lenses to reduce or eliminate harmful radiation, speak to Natasha our qualified Dispensing Optician for their recommendations on how to best protect you and your family’s eyes from UV.