Why Sunglasses with UV Protection Are Essential This Spring

As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. While many of us remember to apply suncream to protect our skin, we often overlook the importance of safeguarding our eyes. Investing in high-quality sunglasses with UV protection is one of the best things you can do for your eye health. Keep reading to discover the dangers of UV rays and how you can protect your eyes from long lasting damage.

The Dangers of UV Exposure to Your Eyes

Overexposure to UV light can lead to several eye conditions, including:

      • Cataracts: A leading cause of vision impairment, cataracts develop over time due to UV damage, causing clouding of the eye’s natural lens
      • Macular Degeneration: Prolonged UV exposure has been linked to macular degeneration, a condition that affects central vision and can lead to blindness
      • Photokeratitis: Sometimes referred to as “sunburn of the eye,” this painful condition occurs after excessive exposure to UV rays and can cause temporary vision loss
      • Pterygium: This is a growth on the surface of the eye that can cause irritation and vision problems, often triggered by UV exposure

When Should You Wear Sunglasses?

Sunglasses aren’t just for summer – they should be worn whenever you are outdoors, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still penetrate through cloud cover. They are particularly important:

    • While driving, as UV rays can reflect off roads and other vehicles
    • At the beach or near water, where sunlight reflection increases exposure
    • In snowy conditions, as snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays
    • During outdoor sports and activities to reduce glare and enhance comfort

How UV-Protective Sunglasses Help

Wearing sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection helps prevent these issues by blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. Here’s what to look for when choosing a pair:

  • 100% UV Protection: Ensure your sunglasses are labelled as blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays
  • Polarised Lenses: While not necessary for UV protection, polarised lenses reduce glare, making them a great choice for driving and outdoor activities
  • Wraparound or Large Frames: Sunglasses that cover a wider area offer better protection by limiting exposure to UV rays from the sides
  • Quality Over Fashion: Designer sunglasses may look stylish, but always check that they provide proper UV protection rather than just tinted lenses

Protect Your Children’s Eyes Too
Children’s eyes are more sensitive to UV rays than adults, making it essential to invest in good-quality sunglasses for them as well. Look for durable, well-fitting sunglasses that provide full UV protection and don’t forget we offer free paediatric eye tests and selected frames for kids up to the age of 16 and 17-18 year olds in full-time education.

If you’re unsure about which sunglasses are best for you, we can help! At Kingsbridge Opticians, we offer a range of high-quality sunglasses with full UV protection to keep your eyes safe while ensuring style and comfort. Call in store to find your perfect pair today!