Protect Your Eyes from Damaging Rays
UV Radiation Intensity
According the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the following factors affect the intensity of UV radiation:
- Time of Day
UV radiation is highest between 10am – 2pm. A good barometer is to check your shadow. If your shadow is shorter than you are, then UV radiation is at high intensity. If it is longer, then UV intensity is lower. - Season
UV radiation is highest in the spring and summer (May to August), lower in the fall and lowest in the winter. - Weather
UV radiation is present even when the sun is not visible. Be especially careful on cloudy and hazy days. Even when it is not very hot, the sun’s rays can still burn. - Environment
UV exposure is higher when reflected off snow, sand, water or concrete since these surfaces reflect UV rays. - Altitude
UV radiation exposure increases in higher altitudes and closer to the equator. UV rays are weaker at the Earth’s poles.
July 2004 — Sun exposure and its damaging effects are commonly associated with the skin, but what about the damage sun exposure can have on the eyes? Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays is as important as protecting your skin.
Sun Exposure and the Eyes
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the surface of the eye, similar to the effects of sunburn on the skin. Long-term effects of UV rays on the eyes may include a higher risk for cataracts, macular degeneration and cancer of the eyelids and around the eyes. Without protection, everyone is at risk, including children, for eye damage that also can lead to vision loss.
“Proper sunglasses cut down the intensity of UV light entering the eye and therefore help reduce potential damage,” says Lee Duffner, MD, ophthalmologist on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Memorial Hospital West and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The key is understanding the differences in sunglasses and purchasing those that offer the greatest protection.”
Choosing the Right Pair
Sunglasses come in all shapes, sizes and prices. So how do you choose? According to Dr. Duffner, “Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to offer good protection. Some inexpensive glasses have quality lenses, while expensive glasses may have cheap lenses. What is important is how much UV light is absorbed by the lenses. This should ideally be 99 to 100 percent. Proper fit is also important — if glasses are uncomfortable, they are less likely to be worn. The good news is that functional, fashionable and affordable sunglasses are relatively easy to find, as long as you know what to look for on sunglass labels.”
When purchasing a pair, Dr. Duffner suggests the following:
- Look for lenses labeled as “UV blocking” — ideally, these should indicate that 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation is blocked
- Pink, yellow and light blue lenses might be fashionable, but if you can see your eyes easily in a mirror with the glasses on, they probably aren’t dark enough
- Gray lenses reduce light wavelengths evenly and allow you to see more clearly
- Green lenses cause the most color distortion, which may pose a problem for colorblind individuals
- Polarized lenses cut down the glare of light reflected off water, snow, sand or concrete
- Photochromic lenses darken or lighten according to the light, so you can use one pair of glasses both indoors and outdoors
- The shape of the glasses should fit closely to your face to reduce sunlight coming in from the side
The Right Frame for Your Face
With the right pair of sunglasses, you can add a new element of style to your look and protect your health! Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right frame for your face:
Oval Face
Choose from almost any style — especially wraparounds and geometric shapes.
Round Face
Try soft, angular, rectangular style to minimize curves and add definition.
Diamond Shape
To soften the contours of the face, try oval sunglasses or softly curved square frames.
Square Face
Reduce angles with cat-eye styles or classic oval frames.
Oblong Face
Choose round or square shapes that don’t extend beyond the widest part of the face.
Triangle Face
Soften the lower portion of the face and accent the eyes with cat-style glasses that angle outward at the top.
Heart Shape
Choose frames no wider than the forehead that angle outward at the bottom corners — rimless styles and light colors also compliment this face shape.
If you have questions regarding the right choice of sunglasses, speak to your ophthalmologist. For referral to an ophthalmologist, call the Memorial Physician Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS.