You can choose different upgrades for your glasses. One example is UV protection to prevent UV light from reaching the eyes. It's far from the flashiest option. However, UV protection can spare you from several eye and eyelid-related complications, meaning you should research it before deciding whether you need it. Luckily, you don't have to get it when you buy your glasses for the first time. Instead, you can get it later as an add-on.
What Is UV?
UV is short for ultraviolet. It has this name because it's beyond violet light, the most energetic part of the visible light spectrum. As a result, you can't see UV light. Unfortunately, what you can't see can still hurt you. The FDA says UV light is divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC for the most part. You might've heard of UVA and UVB in the context of sunscreen. This is because UVA and UVB are the kinds of UV light that can make it past atmospheric ozone to reach the surface of the Earth. Meanwhile, you're unlikely to encounter UVC from a natural source, though UVC lamps and lights are another story because they're used for disinfecting and other purposes. Either way, exposure to UV light is concerning because it damages human tissues.
What Happens If Your Eyes Are Exposed to Too Much UV?
UV light is infamous for causing skin cancer. Given this, chances are good that you can guess too much exposure has dangerous consequences for your eyes. Specifically, the National Eye Institute says UV light causes cataracts, which ruin your sight by clouding the lenses of your eyes. Similarly, it can trigger other growths and deposits that can cause irritation and other issues. So far, UV light hasn't been established as a cause of ocular cancers. However, it's known to cause eyelid cancers, which is unsurprising when the eyelids are some of the thinnest skin on the body. In the short term, UV light can hurt your eyes like it hurts your skin. Common symptoms include but aren't limited to red eyes, puffy eyes, and light sensitivity. These issues will heal, but the more they happen, the higher your chances of developing long-term problems.
How Can You Get UV Protection For Your Glasses?
Some glasses automatically come with UV protection. You always need to check because this isn't guaranteed to be the case. If your glasses don't have UV protection, you can pay for a thin coating to block UVA and UVB. Be warned that the lenses don't offer complete protection unless they come with UV400 or 100 percent UV protection. Besides this, you might also find it helpful to look into other ways to protect yourself. Consider alternatives such as protective contacts and sunglasses. Similarly, wear a wide-brimmed hat that offers UV protection. It's also wise to avoid the sun when it's brightest, surfaces where UV light can reflect into your eyes, and higher altitudes that are more exposed.
For more info about glasses, contact a local company.
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