Can I protect my eyes from harmful UV radiation?
September 19, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Tobias Helbig
Dear ophthalmologist,
My name is Andreas Schottmann and I am contacting you because I am very concerned about my eyes. In the past few weeks, I have been working outdoors more frequently and have noticed that my eyes are often irritated and I experience more glare. I have heard that UV radiation can be harmful to the eyes and I am wondering if I can protect my eyes from this harmful radiation.
I often work outdoors and spend a lot of time in the sun, whether it is working in the garden or playing sports. I do not wear sunglasses because I previously thought that it was only important to reduce glare. However, I now have concerns that my eyes could suffer long-term damage if I do not protect them from UV radiation.
Could you please give me tips on how to protect my eyes from harmful UV radiation? Are there specific sunglasses that are particularly effective? Should I wear sunglasses on cloudy days as well? Are there other measures I can take to protect my eyes?
Thank you in advance for your help and expertise.
Best regards,
Andreas Schottmann
Dear Mr. Schottmann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ophthalmologist. It is very important that you take care of your eye health and consider protecting them from harmful UV radiation. In fact, UV radiation from the sun can lead to various eye problems in the long term, such as cataracts, retinal damage, and conjunctivitis.
To protect your eyes from UV radiation, wearing sunglasses is essential. A good pair of sunglasses should provide high UV protection, ideally 100% UV-A and UV-B protection. When purchasing sunglasses, make sure they bear the CE mark and meet UV Standard 400. Polarized lenses are also helpful in reducing glare and making vision more comfortable in bright sunlight.
It is important to wear sunglasses on cloudy days and in winter as well, as UV radiation can be reflected by clouds and snow. Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can harm your eyes. Therefore, remember to always have your sunglasses handy when outdoors.
In addition to wearing sunglasses, there are other measures you can take to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. Avoid spending long periods outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest. Use a wide-brimmed hat if necessary to provide additional protection for your eyes. And don't forget to have regular eye examinations with your ophthalmologist to detect and treat potential damage early.
I hope these tips help you protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. If you have any further questions or would like more detailed advice, I am here to help.
Best regards,
Tobias Helbig, Ophthalmologist
