Perpetual Reason for Donning Sunglasses
In the morning and evening hours, the sun's rays can be particularly harsh on the eyes, making sunglasses necessary even beyond midday. Contrary to misinformation on social media, wearing sunglasses does not promote cataracts, but rather protects against them and other serious eye conditions.
Sunglasses with UV protection are vital when the UV index exceeds 3, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause significant damage to the eyes and surrounding skin. Sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection.
The key scientific reasons for this are numerous. Firstly, UV radiation contributes to the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis, pterygium or pinguecula, and skin cancer around the eyes. These conditions can impair vision or cause discomfort. Secondly, consistent UV exposure without protection increases the risk of chronic eye conditions and skin cancer. Shielding from UV rays acts as a first line of defense to prevent long-term damage.
Thirdly, sunglasses improve visual comfort and safety by reducing glare and enhancing contrast, making activities like driving or sports safer. Lastly, health guidelines recommend protective measures such as wearing sunglasses, sunscreen, and seeking shade when the UV index is 3 or higher, as moderate UV levels can cause sunburn and UV-related harm to skin and eyes.
It is a common misconception that more light still reaches the eye with sunglasses than on a cloudy winter day. However, sunglasses absorb a significant portion of the light, providing essential protection. Sunglasses with a UV filter of 400 block harmful UV rays between 280 and 400 nanometers.
Additional caution is required at the beach and in the mountains due to the intense sunlight. The larger the area of the face that sunglasses cover, the better the protection. Affordable models with the right UV filter are also available.
The retina of the eye is the only part of the central nervous system that comes into direct contact with UV light. The lens's function as a UV filter is not yet fully developed in children and adolescents, making them particularly vulnerable to UV damage.
Sunglasses are essential to protect against eye diseases such as cataracts and skin cancer, including malignant skin cancer of the conjunctiva and various types of eye lid cancer, which are known to be promoted by UV light. The claim that wearing sunglasses disrupts one's biorhythm is incorrect.
Frank Holz, the director of the University Eye Clinic Bonn and chairman of the Eye Foundation, and Klaus Rohrschneider, an ophthalmologist at Heidelberg University Hospital, emphasise the importance of wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection. The Eye Foundation, dedicated to research, training, and education in the field of ophthalmology, supports these efforts.
Current UV index information can be found on wetter.de and various other weather apps. Price does not determine the effectiveness of sunglasses in terms of UV protection, so affordable models with the right UV filter are a viable option for protecting your eyes.
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