Sunglasses don't just look good – they're good for you, too. Here's tips on how to select the best pair.

Australians face a few of these. The highest levels of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the planet.

While we concentrate on protecting our skin from UV damage, it's vital to recollect our eyes as well.

Last summer, only Six out of ten Australians Those who frolicked outside during peak UV exposure times said they wore sunglasses.

But sunglasses are greater than a fashion statement. Here's why they're vital to our eye health (and our skin) – and a few tips about selecting a pair that works.

What is UV radiation?

UV radiation It is a variety of energy produced by sources just like the sun. There are three types: UVA, UVB, UVC. There are UVA and UVB. responsible For sun damage to our skin and eyes.

UV might be direct, scattered or reflected, bouncing off surfaces resembling water, sand and snow. But unlike other types of the sun's energy (visible light and infrared radiation), we will't see or feel UV radiation.

This is why we cannot depend on clear skies or warm temperatures to operate if UV levels are high.

Instead, we use UV indexa scale from low (1–2) to extreme (11+).

Official guidelines recommend sun protection when the UV index is high. 3 or more. This includes protecting our eyes.

How does UV light affect our eyes?

Excessive UV radiation can have each short- and long-term effects on our eyes and the encircling skin.

In the short term, chances are you’ll be sensitive to light or growth. Photokeratitissometimes often known asSnow blindness“

Photokeratitis is comparable to sunburn. Cornea (the clear, dome-like a part of the front of the attention that lets light in) and makes the eyes sore, red, and sensitive to light. Photokeratitis often resolves with light and rest with eye drops.

But the long-term effects of chronic UV exposure might be more severe.

This can result in a fleshy growth on the attention called a. pterygiumalso often known as “surfer's eye”. If it grows above the cornea, the expansion can obstruct vision, requiring surgical removal.

Excessive UV exposure can even speed up the event Cataract (where the lens contained in the eye becomes cloudy and blurs vision) or causes skin cancer. the eye And The eyelid.

Excessive UV exposure might be especially harmful to children due to lenses of their eyes are unable to filter UV light. That's why it's vital for kids to wear sunglasses – in addition to adults.

What in regards to the skin?

UV radiation can even speed up skin aging.

It breaks down the proteins within the skin that keep it elastic, resembling elastin and collagen, and might stimulate. Low-grade inflammation.

Without sunglasses, we also look more to try to scale back the quantity of sunshine entering our eyes. These may contribute to the event of repetitive motions Wrinkles and “crow's feet” across the eyes.

Which glasses should I select?

In Australia and New Zealand, each pair of tinted lenses have to be labeled to point out the protection category. are regulated by them Australia/New Zealand standards.

are Five categories For the lens:

• Categories 0-1 There are “fashion glasses”. They appear to be sunglasses but actually offer little or no UV protection.

• Category 2 Reduce sun glare and supply moderate levels of UV protection.

• Category 3 Reduce sun glare and supply good UV protection.

• Category 4 The lenses are very dark and are only beneficial for extreme glare resembling mountaineering, or use at sea. These lenses are too dark to make use of. Driving.

What else should I do know?

Good sunglasses don't must be expensive. The protection category is more vital than the value tag – so all the time check the label to see how well they block UV radiation.

Sunglasses that fit near the eyes, with an excellent wrap across the face, provide excellent protection in reducing each direct and reflected UV radiation.

Can even be glasses. PolarizedBlocking light waves coming from horizontal direction. This reduces the brightness of reflective surfaces while increasing contrast – particularly useful for water activities resembling fishing.

Some can also use the term “sunglasses”.Eye protection factor(EPF). gave EPF Classification How well sunglasses can protect your eyes from UVA and UVB relies on the lens and frame design. Find an EPF of 9 or 10.

The label “UV400” can also be useful, because it means lenses. Block almost 100% UV..

Protecting your eyes all 12 months round

Sunlight can be useful for our eyes.

For example, morning sunlight will help reset our body clocks and promote proper eye development in children to stop low vision. It can also be vital for body production. Vitamin D.

But moderation is the important thing. gave The safest The best strategy to reap the advantages of sunlight throughout the summer is to get a number of minutes of sunlight within the morning or mid-afternoon. In late fall and winter when the UV index is below 3, it is helpful to spend time outside within the afternoon.

Because we’re exposed to UV radiation year-round, sunglasses are an excellent idea in any season. In the summer, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, and limiting time outdoors during peak UV exposure, will even help protect your eyes and skin.