About UV Rays

We’re fighting an invisible enemy.

Every day – under sunny or cloudy skies and despite the season – all of us are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. And, we may not even realize it because, unlike visible sunlight, UV radiation is invisible to the eye.

It’s vitally important to understand the damaging effects UV light can have on your eyesight - and the steps you can take to counteract it. That’s especially important because the damage UV rays can cause to your eyesight builds cumulatively over time.

As you learn more about the dangers of UV exposure, we’re hopeful you’ll be exposed to something else – knowledge about the simple steps you can easily take in your daily life to help reduce the risk of UV damage and to maintain healthy sight and wellness for today and in the future.

Don’t get burned. Know the consequences of UV exposure.

The fact is, most people know about the need to protect their skin from harmful UV rays, so they apply sunblock any time they plan to be outside for extended periods of time. Yet few people realize that their eyes are just as vulnerable and need protection just as much – perhaps even more.

Research indicates that the damage that can occur over time from prolonged exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays (remember, damage from UV exposure is cumulative, building each and every time your eyes are exposed to the sun) may contribute to short-term vision impairment and potentially serious age-related conditions or diseases of the eye, including cataracts. UV light may also contribute to macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 60 years old.

Exposure to UV light can also result in what is essentially a “sunburn" of the eye's surface, a condition known as photokeratitis. Two other common types of damage to the eye's surface from UV exposure are benign yellowish growths known as pingueculae and pterygia. You don’t need to know how to pronounce them … but you should know how to avoid them.

The sensitive area around your eye can also be affected by prolonged exposure to UV radiation and topically-applied sunblocks are not meant for use around the eyes. It’s very important to protect the delicate skin around your eyes by blocking UV rays. Wearing a wide brimmed hat and protective eye wear can help.

It’s never to early – and never too late – to protect yourself.

You can take a critical step to help combat UV damage to your eyes by wearing eyeglass lenses that block UV rays. But not all lenses do, so be sure to ask your eyecare professional which lenses to choose for this purpose. Transitions® lenses automatically darken when exposed to UV light outdoors, providing visual comfort and glare reduction in visible light while also blocking 100% of invisible UVA and UVB rays, providing UV 400 protection for your eyes. Much like sunscreen protects your skin, Transitions lenses help to protect your eyes, eyelids and surrounding tissue from harmful UV radiation. And because the damage is cumulative, it’s never too early – or too late – to start protecting yourself and your family. To watch a demonstration of how Transitions lenses work to protect your eyes, click here.

Find out if photochromic lenses could work for you with our Personal Eye Quiz which offers customized recommendations for your lenses and frames.

Following are more steps you can take everyday to lessen UV damage:

Check daily UV levels in your area and plan accordingly
Stay out of the sun when UV is mostly present
Wear a wide brimmed hat and other protective clothing
Wear lotion/lip balm with SPF protection
Be sure to wear protective eye wear that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays

FACTOID: Did You Know? According to a recent survey only 18% of respondents wear eyewear with UV protection even when they plan to be out in the sun for long periods of time. This can cause damage to your eyes that leads to eye conditions, eye diseases and diminished sight.

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