SCEI Optometrist, Dr. Pratima Gautam, answers questions regarding UV safety and why it's so important to protect your eyes.

What are UV rays and why do we need to protect our eyes from them?

Ultraviolet radiation energy is the band of electromagnetic radiation extending from roughly 400 nm to 200 nm produced by the sun. The main source of UV in the environment is from the sun. Sun exposure is the primary risk factor for skin cancer. UV Hazard: Skin.

• Skin cancers:
• Melanoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma

Are there different types of UV rays?

There are 3 UV subtypes

• UV-A
• UV-B - associated with development of cataract, sunburn region
• UV-C

What are potential risks of prolonged sun exposure on our eyes?

UV affects all structures of the eye.

• Eyelids: skin cancer
• Conjunctiva: pterygium and pinguecula (growths on the eye)
• Cornea: photokeratitis (sensitivity of the cornea)
• Crystalline lens: cataract
• Retina: retinitis, macular degeneration

Can you elaborate on the difference between polarized and non-polarized lenses?

Polarized, or anti-glare, sunglasses reduce light glare and eye strain, which results in improved vision and safety in the sun. Polarized lenses create a filter that blocks glare or horizontal light while vertical light passes through them.

• With this filtering, the image you see with polarized lenses is darker than usual, creating a crisper and clearer image, making details easiest to see.

Non-polarized sunglasses are traditional sunglasses that do not have the special coating that polarized lenses have, so they reduce the overall intensity of sunlight exposure but don’t specifically target glare.

What is your best recommendation for keeping your eyes safe from harmful UV rays?

Stay out of the sun between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the summer months. Wear sunglasses.

• Most sunglasses block both UV-A and UV-B
• Always purchase sunglasses labeled “UV 400,” which essentially means 100% UV absorption, or “100% UV protection”
• Darker lenses do not mean more UV protection. Only sunglasses with 100% UV protection provide the safety you need.
• Sunglasses should have the largest lenses possible to protect your eyes from sun damage. Consider oversized or wraparound-style sunglasses to limit UV rays from entering from the side.
• Sunglasses with colored lenses (such as amber or gray) don’t block out more sun. However, a brown or rose-colored lens can provide more contrast.

Wear a broad brimmed hat. Use sunblock liberally and frequently, repeat every 2 hours after swimming.