Do contacts protect eyes from the sun?
Lenses that transition in sunlight to become sunglasses help protect eyes from dust, bugs, drying breezes and, most important of all, the damaging effects of ultraviolet light. Many people my age with lens implants following cataract surgery are overjoyed not to have to wear mirrors all the time, but I’ve recently gone in the opposite direction. Although at 78 I can nevertheless drive and, in good light, even read the newspaper without corrective lenses, I’ve chosen to wear glasses almost all the time. Within the last two years, I’ve invested in multiple pairs of prescription glasses with progressive “transition” lenses, which darken in sunlight to become sunglasses. They provide visual enhancement and protection and serve as a fashion statement. If and when I need to have cataract surgery and require a new prescription, I’ll replace the lenses in my favorite eyeglass frames and continue to wear them.
Protected from every side
Glasses have in effect become my jewelry, and I’ve been amazed at how many compliments they inspire. But even more amazing is what the glasses have done for the safety and comfort of my eyes, protecting them from dust, bugs, drying breezes and, most important of all, the damaging effects of ultraviolet light. Although we’ve been admonished for decades about the need to protect our skin from sun damage, relatively few such warnings have been issued about eyes, and there is still no (sun protection factor) SPF mandate for sunglasses. As a result, UV light has compromised the eye health and vision of far too many people of my vintage, myself included. I now have an irritating growth called a pterygium on the white of one eye, a result of many decades spent outdoors without proper eye safety.
All Eyes on you, Protect them
You may not think about it when you step outside on a sunny day, but just as your skin can get sunburned, your eyesight can be damaged by the sun, too. No matter the season or temperature outside, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds and moisture, which means there are potential risks of UV damage to our eyes all year long. Both UVA and UVB rays can reflect off of surfaces like water, snow, sand, and even buildings, which increase exposure and double the UV risk to your eyes in certain conditions, So what can you do to protect your eyes from this damage, which can lead to redness and blurred vision, and even eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration? Wearing sunglasses is an obvious choice but your stylish pair may not be protecting your eyes as well as you think.
How to get best the Protection
Select sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB light. You don’t have to pay a premium — UV protection is available in all price ranges. “There are a bunch out there. You want to buy them from a reputed manufacturer,”. Choose the highest level of UVA/UVB protection you can find. He says that it will say what level of UVA and UVB protection you would have on the sticker or printed right on the tag. Select amber or brown lenses if you have macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. These colors enhance contrast, which can help you see better. Natural sunlight is often too bright for comfort as we age and our pupils grow larger and more sensitive to light. For the best vision when you’re driving, Doctor suggests that you look for polarized lenses. They’re best for reducing glare.
