Protecting your Eyes from Harmful UV Radiation

May is Ultra Violet (UV) Awareness Month. Most of us are aware of the harmful effects of UV rays on our skin and the importance of using sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned. But did you know that UV rays can also harm your eyes and vision? When exposed to excessive amounts of UV rays, you can develop photo keratitis, sunburn of the eyes. Protecting your eyes from these rays is just as important as using sunscreen.

The best way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays is to wear a quality pair of sunglasses. They should be able to block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation, as well as screen out 75-90 percent of visible light. For those who work outdoors or spend a lot of time outside, consider a wrap-around frame to block out as much sunlight to your eyes as possible. Children should also have a protective pair of sunglasses to wear outdoors.

A new transition contact lens can also help the eyes recover faster from bright sunlight with less squinting. They are not, however, a replacement for sunglasses or UV-protecting eyewear.

Acuvue Oasys’ new transition contact lenses with Light Intelligent Technology is the first of its kind to adapt this kind of technology in order to give the wearer another reason to love their lenses, and help protect their eyes from damaging effects of the sun. The contact lenses are also designed to block UV-A and UV-B rays, as well as balance out the amount of outdoor and indoor light and block harmful blue light (coming from computers, phones, televisions). This lens becomes activated by darkening when exposed to UV or High Energy Visible(HEV) light, similar to photochromic or Transitions lenses. When the wearer comes back inside, the lens fades back to clear within a few seconds. The lens is also used to reduce glare and haloes during nighttime and reduce the amount of stress on your visual system caused by lights.

For more information on transition contact lenses, contact The Eye Institute at 215.276.6111