Protecting Your Eyes From The Sun
Submitted by
staff on Thu, 08/20/2009 at 4:36pm.
Your Eyes and the Sun
Exposing your eyes to UV light can have a detrimental effect on your eyes. Excess exposure to intense sunlight can burn the surface of the eye much like sunburn on the skin. Your eyes do provide some natural protection from the sun's rays, but like your skin, you must be careful to protect your eyes from overexposure to sunlight. The earth's diminishing ozone layer, which now filters out less UV light, makes our eyes even more susceptible to ultraviolet rays. UV light is strongest during the hours of 10:00am to approximately 3:00pm. Sun reflected off snow, sand, or water intensifies the level of exposure.
Potential Eye Disorders From UV Exposure
Studies show that over time, unprotected exposure to UV light can contribute to a number of eye complications. Some of these are temporary, but others can permanently damage your vision or require expensive surgery. Damage can include Photokeratitis (temporary blindness), cataracts, Pterygium (growths on the surface of the eye), muscular degeneration, and cancer. What can you do to protect your eyes? According to the American Optometric Association, sunglasses provide one of the best sources of UV protection. While some contact lenses are now available with UV protection, they should not take the place of sunglasses. Good sunglasses block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB, and also shield the eyelids from sun exposure. There are UV-absorbing contact lenses on the market, but these do not filter as much of the damaging light and they only partially cover your eyes.
How To Choose a Good Pair of Sunglasses?
Look for these characteristics when looking at sunglasses:
- UV protection of 99 or 100 percent
- IR – infrared protection
- They should be close fitting to prevent rays from reaching you eyes
- Look for polarized lenses to help reduce glare.
- Don’t shop by price -- higher priced sunglasses usually look nice but they don’t necessarily offer more protection
- Dark-colored sunglasses don't necessarily provide better protection. It’s not the shade that counts, it’s the amount and quality of the chemical coating applied to the lens
Why Do Tanning Salons Require That I Use Tanning Eyewear?
Indoor tanning salon owners and operators are obligated to verify that every client using tanning equipment is also using federally compliant eyewear. It is their goal to educate customers about the fact that towels, scarves, or eyelids do not adequately protect eyes from ultraviolet exposure. In addition to state laws, Federal regulations (CFR 21 1040.20 (c)(4) require that tanners wear protective eyewear that block 99.9% of the UVB light and 99% of UVA. It is the operator's responsibility that ALL tanning clients use federally compliant eyewear. Acceptable eyewear must state the product's compliance with federal regulations on the package.
What Would Happen If I Didn't Use Eyewear In The Tanning Bed/Booth?
When proper eyewear is not used during the tanning process, the potential for eye injury is greatly increased. Some eye injuries and disorders include Photokeratitis (Cornea Sunburn), Cataracts, Pterygium (Abnormal tissue growth) and Damage to the Cornea.
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