As we edge our way towards summer, sunshine should hopefully become less and less elusive. Sunglasses may be the finishing touch to your outfit, but it’s crucial not to underestimate the importance of a good quality pair for protecting your eyes too.
It’s easy to notice how harmful the sun’s rays can be to your skin – sunburn is obvious and painful. A less-known fact is that ultraviolet (UV) rays can also cause lasting damage to our eyes.
There are 2 types of UV rays that can cause harm. UVA rays are the most prevalent and can penetrate to the retina at the back of your eye. UVB rays are associated with sunburn, and while they don’t reach the retina, they can damage the cornea at the front of your eye.
In the short term, overexposure to the sun can cause photokeratitis, or sunburned eyes. The cornea becomes inflamed, and your eyes may water, feel dry/gritty, or be overly sensitive to light. Typically, this won’t cause permanent issues and dissipates after a day or two. In the long term, however, continuous overexposure to UV can contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration – both of which are sight-threatening eye diseases.
Luckily, there’s a simple and stylish way to protect your eyes. 100% UV protection sunglasses block the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, keeping your eyes safe and protected for the years to come.
But be careful: cheap sunglasses from high street market stalls or unauthorised vendors can cause more harm than good. Their dark lenses allow the pupils to widen, letting in more light. Without adequate protection and coatings, this can allow UV to pass through freely, causing permanent damage to the eyes.
Here at Robert Frith Opticians, we stock a wide range of quality designer prescription sunglasses and non-prescription sunglasses, from brands including Silhouette, Lindberg, Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Maui Jim. We also stock a great range of kids’ sunglasses. As authorised stockists, you can be confident that our sunnies will provide the style you’re after, and 100% UV protection too.
To learn more about sunglasses, UV and your eyes, or to arrange a time to pop into your local store and view our latest collections, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team would be happy to help!