Sunglasses to protect your eyes

Although more and more people are aware of the damage that excess solar radiation can cause, still few include the eyes among the areas to be protected. But the eyes must be protected with Sunglasses and more if we take into account that the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than three million people each year go blind due to an excess of solar radiation.

Risks that can be avoided

In summer, when spending many hours outdoors and in the sun, it is easy for subject the eyes to an excess of ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) that can be harmful. Exposure to direct sunlight for longer than is strictly necessary can cause dry eyes and irritations, as well as burns to the cornea.

Ultraviolet rays from solar radiation can irreversibly damaging the retina of the eyes and eventually cause permanent blindness; They can also affect the anterior parts of the eyes, causing conjunctival tumors or other pathologies.

The use of sunglasses and other recommendations

The most important precautions to protect our eyes from solar radiation are to use approved protective glasses that block 100% of UV rays, during the days and hours when the sunlight is intense. Whether it is corrective lenses or sunglasses, they must have a UV filter of sufficient quality. Sunglasses without a filter or with a poor quality filter can even be counterproductive., since they can make the eye present a pupillary dilation and be more sensitive to radiation due to a greater input of UV rays.

Tips for choosing sunglasses

According to the, although they are usually only used in summer, it is

It is advisable to wear sunglasses all year round. They not only protect the ocular surface from direct light but also filter some of the light that can damage other ocular structures.

The choice of sunglasses should provide a comfortable vision with the maximum:

• The first requirement for sunglasses is that they have the CE marking, which indicates that they meet the requirements of European regulations.
• The second technical aspect to take into account is the type of solar filter on the lenses, which prevents harmful radiation from reaching the eye. Whenever you buy sunglasses you should make sure that prevent the penetration of more than 80% of ultraviolet rays. If the glasses do not have the appropriate filters, they can cause intense headaches, conjunctivitis and photophobias that appear after years and in many cases do so irreversibly.
• It is evident that the glasses have to be adapted to the destinations, with a suitable lens and frame (it is not the same to go to the beach than to the high mountains or on the street). For example, in places with a high risk of insolation, they should wear a side protection or a wide temple and a greater filter from sunlight.
• The size must be adequate, for the head and face.
• Regarding the color of the crystals is considered very suitable green, since it does not modify much the color of the things that are being seen and offers greater protection against light. You should opt for medium dark glasses.

Important!

• Not while wearing contact lenses, or doing so after making sure they are good quality UV filter lenses. Even so, when sunbathing, always do so with your eyes closed, even if you are wearing your glasses.
• Never look directly at the sun with your eyes (not even with sunglasses or on cloudy days).
• Avoid long exposures to the sun, both on the beach and in mountain or inland areas.
• Take care that protective skin creams do not get inside the eye.
• Carry out an annual check-up with the specialist, or more frequently if necessary.

In children

As in the case of the eye protection is of special importance in children, since they are much more sensitive than adults. In these cases, the use of sunglasses will prevent keratitis and conjunctivitis problems.

Go to the specialist

In cases where dry eyes are observed, it is recommended to use of artificial tear drops, or anti-inflammatories if there is irritation. In any case, it is advisable to consult with your insurance specialist

• Exposure to direct sunlight for longer than is strictly necessary can cause dry eyes and irritations, as well as burns to the cornea.
• The most important precautions to protect our eyes from solar radiation are to use approved protective glasses that block 100% of UV rays.
• Sunglasses not only protect the eye surface from direct light but also filter out some of the light that can damage other eye structures.

Advance Medical Team