Sunglasses don’t just look good—they’re good for you, too. Here’s how to choose the right pair Health News

Last summer, there were only six in ten Australians spend time outside They said they wore sunglasses during peak UV exposure. But sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. Here’s why they’re important to our eye health (and our skin)—and some tips on how to choose a pair that works.

What is UV radiation?

Ultraviolet radiation is a type of energy produced by sources such as the sun. There are three types: UVA, UVB, UVC. UVA and UVB are responsible for sun-related damage to our skin and eyes.

UV can be direct, scattered or reflected, bouncing off surfaces such as water, sand and snow. But unlike other types Energy While the sun produces (visible light and infrared radiation), we cannot see or feel UV radiation. This is why we cannot rely on clear skies or warm temperatures to work if UV levels are high.

Instead, we use the UV index, a scale from low (1-2) to extreme (11+). Official guidelines recommend sun protection when the UV index is 3 or higher. This includes protecting our eyes.

How does UV light affect our eyes?

Excessive UV radiation can have short and long-term effects on our eyes and the surrounding skin. In the short term, you may become sensitive to light or develop photokeratitis, sometimes known as “snow blindness.”

Photokeratitis is like a sunburn on the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped part at the front of the eye that lets light in) and makes the eye sore, red, and sensitive to light. Photokeratitis usually resolves with exposure to light and rest of the eye.

But the long-term effects of chronic UV exposure can be more serious. This can cause a fleshy growth over the eye, called a pterygium, also known as “surfer’s eye”. If it grows above the cornea, the growth can obstruct vision, requiring surgical removal.

Excessive UV exposure can accelerate the development of cataracts (where the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy and blurs vision) or skin cancer in the eyes and eyelids.

Excessive UV exposure can be especially harmful to children because the lenses in their eyes are not able to filter UV light as well as adults – so it’s important for children to wear sunglasses too.

What about the skin?

UV radiation can also accelerate skin aging.

UV radiation can also cause skin aging. (Source: Canva)

This breaks down proteins in the skin that keep it elastic, such as elastin and collagen, and can trigger low-grade inflammation.
Without sunglasses, we also tend to squint a lot to try to reduce the amount of light entering our eyes. These repetitive movements can contribute to the development of wrinkles and “crow’s feet” around the eyes.

Which sunglasses should I choose?

In Australia and New Zealand, every pair of glasses with tinted lenses must be labeled to show the class of protection they provide. They are regulated by Australia / New Zealand standards.

There are five categories for lenses:

Categories 0-1 are “fashion glasses”. They look like sunglasses but actually offer little or no UV protection. Category 2 provides moderate levels of sun glare reduction and good UV protection. Category 3 provides a higher level of sun glare reduction and better UV protection. Category 4 lenses are very dark and are only recommended for use on mountain hikes or in extreme glare at sea. These lenses are too dark to use for driving.

What else should I know?

Good sunglasses don’t have to be expensive. The category of protection is more important than the price tag – so always check the label to see how they block UV radiation.

Sunglasses that fit close to the eyes, with a good wrap around the face, provide excellent protection to reduce both direct and reflected UV radiation. The lenses can also be polarized, blocking any light waves coming from a horizontal direction. This reduces glare from reflective surfaces while increasing contrast – especially useful for water activities such as fishing.

Some sunglasses may also use the term “eye protection factor” (EPF). The EPF rating is based on how well a pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes from UVA and UVB, depending on the lens and frame design. Look for an EPF of 9 or 10. The label “UV400” is also useful, as it means the lens blocks almost 100% of UV.

Protecting your eyes all year round

Sunlight also benefits our eyes. For example, morning sunlight helps us reset our body clocks and promotes proper eye development in children to prevent short-sightedness. It is important for the body’s production of vitamin D.

But moderation is key. The safest way to get the benefits of sunlight during the summer is a few minutes of sunlight in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. In late autumn and winter when the UV index is below 3, it is beneficial to spend time outdoors during the day.

While we are all exposed to UV radiation year-round, sunglasses are a good idea in any season. In summer, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, and limiting time outdoors during peak UV exposure, will also help protect your eyes and skin.