07 Apr The Importance of UV Protection in Optical Lenses

When we think about the protection of our eyes, we often think about wearing sunglasses when we’re outside. However, did you know that the lenses in your everyday eyeglasses can also offer UV protection? In this article, we will discuss the importance of UV protection in optical lenses and how it can benefit your eye health.

What is UV Radiation?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy that usually comes from the sun. It is invisible to the naked eye and can be harmful to our skin and eyes. There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is mostly absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere and does not reach the earth’s surface. However, UVA and UVB radiation can penetrate the atmosphere and reach our skin and eyes.

The Dangers of UV Radiation

Exposure to UV radiation can lead to several eye health issues, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea). Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can also cause skin cancer on the eyelids and around the eyes.

The Importance of UV Protection in Optical Lenses

UV protection in optical lenses is essential for protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Most people spend a significant amount of time outdoors, whether it’s for work, sports, or leisure activities. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can still penetrate the atmosphere and reach our eyes.

The good news is that most modern eyeglass lenses come with built-in UV protection. This means that the lenses have been treated with a special coating that blocks UV radiation from passing through the lens and reaching the eyes.

Benefits of UV Protection in Optical Lenses

Protecting your eyes from UV radiation has several benefits, including:

Reducing the Risk of Eye Diseases: UV radiation is a known risk factor for cataracts and macular degeneration. By wearing eyeglasses with UV protection, you can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

Preventing Sunburn of the Cornea: Photokeratitis is a painful condition that occurs when the cornea is sunburned. UV protection in optical lenses can help prevent this condition from occurring.

Protecting the Skin Around the Eyes: The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, making it more susceptible to sun damage. Wearing eyeglasses with UV protection can help prevent skin cancer on the eyelids and around the eyes.

Choosing the Right Eyeglass Lenses

When selecting eyeglass lenses, it’s important to consider the level of UV protection they offer. Most eyeglass lenses have a built-in UV coating, but the level of protection can vary. It’s essential to choose lenses that offer 100% UV400 protection to ensure that your eyes are fully protected.

Another consideration is the lens material. Some materials, like Trivex, and HI 1.61, 1.67 & 1.74 have built-in UV400 protection, while others may require an additional coating to block UV radiation.

Conclusion

UV protection in optical lenses is crucial for protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Most modern eyeglass lenses come with built-in UV protection, which can help reduce the risk of eye diseases, prevent sunburn of the cornea, and protect the skin around the eyes. When selecting eyeglass lenses, it’s essential to choose lenses that offer 100% UV400 protection and to consider the lens material. By wearing eyeglasses with UV400 protection, you can enjoy the outdoors while also protecting your eye health.