Sunglasses aren't just fashion accessories anymore, they provide
necessary protection for your eyes. Most consumers are aware of sun
exposure's danger to the skin, but don't know the sun's rays can also
damage the eyes. To correctly shield the eyes, consumers must know how
to select appropriate sunglasses, since wearing the wrong type can do
more harm than good.
UV Rundown
Ultraviolet (UV) light is made up of invisible rays emitted by the
sun. UVB and UVA are the two UV rays of concern. UVB rays burn the skin
and can easily damage the eyes. "Continuous exposure to UVB rays in
combination with bright sunlight can cause cataracts," says New Jersey
ophthalmologist Dr. Cary Silverman of EyeCare 20/20. Cataracts, a
gradual clouding of the eye's lens, eventually cause blindness if left
untreated. UVB rays can also create a cancer zone by penetrating the
eyelids, raise the chances of developing a melanoma on the delicate
skin around the eyes and cause wrinkles. Furthermore, studies show UV
exposure can contribute to a number of additional ocular complications,
including pterygium (an abnormal growth on the eye's surface), macular
degeneration and cancer.
UVA rays are what the eye lens primarily absorbs. Although there is
currently no proof UVA rays cause damage or blindness, doctors
recommend keeping your eyes covered to block these rays as well.
Sunglass Criteria
According to Silverman, when purchasing sunglasses, it is important
to look for a label specifying UV protection. Choose sunglasses that
block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays because they protect eyes from both
UVA and more harmful UVB rays. This is particularly important because
wearing tinted glasses without UV protection causes more harm than not
wearing sunglasses. Silverman explains, "When light is cut out, your
pupil dilates in order to let more light into the visual system. Tinted
glasses without UV protection spell trouble because they let more
harmful UV rays into the dilated pupil." If you're really concerned,
have your sunglasses rested at an optical store or ophthalmologist's
office.
Tips for purchasing sunglasses
Check for the OSHA label indicating 99 or 100 percent UV protection
Look for close-fitting, larger-lensed or wrap-around sunglasses.
These will prevent UV rays from filtering in from around the edges.
Don't be misguided by price--higher-priced sunglasses usually
reflect fashion or durability, not UV protection--look for the label.
Dark-colored sunglasses don't necessarily provide better
protection. A clear chemical coating applied to the lens is responsible
for UV protection, not the lens color.
Although they help filter out harmful rays, UV-absorbing contact
lenses should not be used as substitutes for sunglasses. "Sunglasses
provide one of the best sources of UV protection," Silverman asserts.
"While some UV-absorbing contact lenses are now available, they do not
provide adequate protection and should not replace sunglasses.
Sunglasses are still needed to cover the entire eye area, including
eyelids."
It is important to wear sunglasses on cloudy as well as sunny days
and throughout all four seasons. As long as it is light outside, UV
rays can reach your eyes and skin. "Remember, your sunglasses will not
make you look better, see more comfortably or protect your eyes when
they are in your purse, pocket or on the dashboard of your car. Get in
the habit of putting them on," Silverman adds.
Since the sun's ultraviolet radiation can go through glass, it can
exacerbate skin damage you've sustained outdoors and even burn your
skin if you never leave your room. However, this can be prevented with
sun-protective window film, according to a report in the latest issue
of Sun & Skin News, a publication of The Skin Cancer Foundation.
For several years, transparent film that filters most of the sun's
UVB and UVA rays has been available in all 50 states for vehicles' side
and back window glass (windshields come already treated with a UVA
absorber). Without this protective film, a considerable amount of UVA
and UVB would get through. Now, this kind of protection has moved
indoors, becoming available for homes and offices through an increasing
number of companies. Chemical UVA absorbers, such as benzophenones and
benzotriazoles in varying strengths, in conjunction with the film's
polyester base, screen out almost 100 percent of UVB and UVA, without
reducing visibility.
Available in varied tints, these films reduce glare by more than
half while allowing 30 to 80 percent of visible light to permeate. They
help prevent not only sunburn, but also brief daily UV exposures that
cumulatively accelerate skin aging and increase skin cancer risks, ha
addition, the films can be lifesavers for people with dangerous
photosensitive conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum.
The combination of glare prevention and UV absorption also protects
the eyes. "Chronic sun exposure is linked to cataracts and macular
degeneration," says Paramus, New Jersey, ophthalmologist Douglas Liva,
M.D. "Window film helps prevent these conditions and other UV-related
eye diseases, including ocular melanomas."
"Most of us have always felt safe from the sun when we're inside,
but we weren't as safe as we thought," concludes Diane Berson, M.D.,
assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell
University and a member of The Skin Cancer Foundation's Medical
Council. "Window film provides protection where we never knew we needed
it."
The following companies have The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation.
CPFilms, Inc. (800) 255-8627 www.llumar.com llumar@cpfilms.com
