We’ve all learned the importance of applying sunscreen when in the sun to help protect us from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Apply, reapply…. reapply again. But did you know UV exposure can do just as much, if not more damage to your eyes than it can to your skin? According to the American Optometric Association, too much UV leads to a greater risk of developing a variety of serious conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis (“sunburn of the eye”).
With these impacts in mind, it’s important to understand key factors that increase your risk of eye damage due to UV exposure, and then find the best ways to help protect your eyes.
Check out this helpful infographic outlining the following factors:
- Occupation
- Eye Color
- Time of Day
- Time of Year
- Geography
- Environment
- Altitude
- Age
Rest assured, there are several ways to help protect your eyes from UV radiation. From lens enhancements to sunglasses, here are some options:
SunSync® Light-Reactive Lenses are a perfect choice when looking for UV protection. Combining comfort and convenience into one stylish package, these lenses quickly change from clear indoors to dark in sunlight, reducing glare and blocking 100% of UV light. Heading back indoors, they quickly return to clear, delivering all the benefits of your regular prescription lenses.
TechShield™ Blue is an advanced anti-reflective coating that’s applied to your lenses. It reduces your exposure to blue light from digital screens, blocks UV rays, and resists scratches and smudging. And this premium coating does it all without adding strong yellow or orange colors to your lenses.
Unity® Performance Coatings can be applied to any prescription lens. These coatings protect against UV, reduce glare, and help keep your lenses scratch, smudge, and fog-free. Select Unity Performance Coatings also come with protection on the backside of the lens to defend against reflected UV.
Polarized Sunglasses are a great option offering UV protection, while also picking the perfect pair for your style. Check out all the choices at your VSP network doctor’s office or online at Eyeconic.
Interested in learning more? Contact us and inquire about UV exposure, and how these options may help. And don’t forget: As a VSP member, you can save on select lens enhancements like SunSync Light-Reactive Lenses and TechShield Blue.