Sunglasses don't just look good – they're good for you, too. Here's methods to select the appropriate pair.

Australians face a few of these. The highest levels of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on this planet.

While we concentrate on protecting our skin from UV damage, it's essential to recollect our eyes as well.

Last summer, only Six out of ten Australians Those who hung out outside during peak UV exposure times said they wore sunglasses.

But sunglasses are greater than a fashion statement. Here's why they're essential to our eye health (and our skin) – and a few tips about selecting a pair that works.

What is UV radiation?

UV radiation It is a kind of energy produced by sources just like the sun. There are three types: UVA, UVB, UVC. There are UVA and UVB. responsible For sun damage to our skin and eyes.

UV could be direct, scattered or reflected, bouncing off surfaces reminiscent of water, sand and snow. But unlike other types of the sun's energy (visible light and infrared radiation), we are able to't see or feel UV radiation.

This is why we cannot depend on clear skies or warm temperatures to operate if UV levels are high.

Instead, we use UV indexa scale from low (1–2) to extreme (11+).

Official guidelines recommend sun protection when the UV index is high. 3 or more. This includes protecting our eyes.

How does UV light affect our eyes?

Excessive UV radiation can have each short- and long-term effects on our eyes and the encompassing skin.

In the short term, chances are you'll be sensitive to light or growth. Photokeratitissometimes often calledSnow blindness“

Photokeratitis is comparable to sunburn. Cornea (the clear, dome-like a part of the front of the attention that lets light in) and makes the eyes sore, red, and sensitive to light. Photokeratitis often resolves with light and rest with eye drops.

But the long-term effects of chronic UV exposure could be more severe.

This can result in a fleshy growth on the attention called a. pterygiumalso often called “surfer's eye”. If it grows above the cornea, the expansion can obstruct vision, requiring surgical removal.

Excessive UV exposure may also speed up the event Cataract (where the lens contained in the eye becomes cloudy and blurs vision) or causes skin cancer. the eye And The eyelid.

Excessive UV exposure could be especially harmful to children due to lenses of their eyes are unable to filter UV light. That's why it's essential for youngsters to wear sunglasses – in addition to adults.

What concerning the skin?

UV radiation may also speed up skin aging.

It breaks down the proteins within the skin that keep it elastic, reminiscent of elastin and collagen, and may stimulate. Low-grade inflammation.

Without sunglasses, we also look more to try to scale back the quantity of sunshine entering our eyes. These may contribute to the event of repetitive motions Wrinkles and “crow's feet” across the eyes.

Which glasses should I select?

In Australia and New Zealand, each pair of tinted lenses have to be labeled to point out the protection category. are regulated by them Australia/New Zealand standards.

are Five categories For the lens:

• Categories 0-1 There are “fashion glasses”. They appear like sunglasses but actually offer little or no UV protection.

• Category 2 Reduce sun glare and supply moderate levels of UV protection.

• Category 3 Reduce sun glare and supply good UV protection.

• Category 4 The lenses are very dark and are only beneficial for extreme glare reminiscent of mountaineering, or use at sea. These lenses are too dark to make use of. Driving.

What else should I do know?

Good sunglasses don't should be expensive. The protection category is more essential than the value tag – so all the time check the label to see how well they block UV radiation.

Sunglasses that fit near the eyes, with wrap across the face, provide the most effective protection by reducing each direct and reflected UV radiation. provide

Can even be glasses. PolarizedBlocking light waves coming from horizontal direction. This reduces the brightness of reflective surfaces while increasing contrast – particularly useful for water activities reminiscent of fishing.

Some might also use the term “sunglasses”.Eye protection factor(EPF). gave EPF Classification How well sunglasses can protect your eyes from UVA and UVB is determined by the lens and frame design. Find an EPF of 9 or 10.

The label “UV400” can also be useful, because it means lenses. Block almost 100% UV..

Protecting your eyes all yr round

Sunlight can be useful for our eyes.

For example, morning sunlight can assist reset our body clocks and promote proper eye development in children to stop low vision. It can also be essential for body production. Vitamin D.

But moderation is the important thing. gave The safest The best technique to reap the advantages of sunlight through the summer is to get a number of minutes of sunlight within the morning or mid-afternoon. In late fall and winter when the UV index is below 3, it is useful to spend time outside within the afternoon.

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