UV protection for your eyes with the right sunglasses

Sunglasses are cult and everyone wears them in different shapes and colors, whether on the nose, stuck in the hair or stuck in the neckline at the temple. Unfortunately, aesthetic aspects are often more important when purchasing than basic function. Sunglasses are much more than just fashionable eye jewelry. Instead, it protects against glare and harmful UV rays, can intensify contrasts, keep wind out, and prevent reflections and stray light. Glare protection is primarily a matter of lens tint and size. Lens tint reduces visible light. The intensity of the shade determines the amount of visible light that reaches the eyes and depends on the occasion and environment in which sun protection is needed. Too much light tires the eyes.

Protecting the eyes against natural light works within certain limits, with the pupil contracting depending on the intensity of the light and thus reducing the amount of light reaching the eye. If the light is too bright, the eye perceives it as glare. Colored sunglasses can significantly reduce the incidence of light, but dark lenses do not automatically offer a high level of protection. UV radiation filtering occurs in the glass or plastic material itself and is independent of the degree of coloring. If the lens material does not have a UV filter effect, you can see the sun well, but short-wave UV light penetrates unhindered and damages the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eyes. Sunglasses with the existing “CE” mark guarantee adequate lens protection against UV radiation. To safely protect your eyes from radiation, even the best glass must be large enough. When using glasses with very small lenses, light and therefore UV rays penetrate from the side. Ideally, the lenses should reach the eyebrows and cover the entire width of the face.

Unlike invisible UV radiation, visible blue light can be filtered by optical means. The reduction is also a matter of the tint of the glass: all orange-brown glass filters blue light. Brown, gray and green lenses are those that least distort color perception and are therefore recommended. Yellow, red and blue lenses, on the other hand, lead to a distorted perception of colors and the brain needs a certain amount of time to neutralize the tones that are altered by the glasses. Last but not least, suitable protective lenses must also be kept in a suitable frame. The glasses must rest securely and non-slip on the head, without causing pressure points. Scratches, streaks, bubbles or inclusions on the lenses distort perception and can cause eye and headache pain.

Unfortunately, you only notice the eye problem when your eyes are already irritated and damaged. If your eyes feel tired, red, tense or even watery after a long day in the sun, this is a warning sign. Make sure to give your eyes a break from the sun for a few days and look for a new pair of sunglasses. Children’s eyes are much more sensitive than adult eyes. Sun protection for the eyes and good UV protection are therefore a “must”.