How can I protect my eyes from UV radiation?
September 1, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Laura Bergmann
Dear ophthalmologist,
My name is Erika Schröder and I am reaching out to you with a question regarding ophthalmology. Lately, I have been thinking about how to protect my eyes from harmful UV radiation. I am aware that UV radiation can damage not only the skin but also the eyes, and therefore, I would like to take preventive measures.
I work outdoors a lot and also enjoy spending my free time outdoors, whether it be doing sports or going for walks. I do wear sunglasses, but I am not sure if they provide sufficient protection. I have heard that certain coatings on eyeglass lenses can protect against UV radiation, but I am unsure if my current sunglasses have this feature.
Furthermore, I am concerned about how to protect my eyes from UV radiation in everyday life. Should I, for example, wear sunglasses in winter as well? Are there special lenses that are particularly effective in protecting against UV radiation?
I would like to know what specific measures I can take to best protect my eyes from UV radiation. Are there any products or recommendations that you can provide me with?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Erika Schröder
Dear Mrs. Schröder,
Thank you for your question regarding UV protection for the eyes. It is very commendable that you are thinking about how to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation, especially since you spend a lot of time outdoors. UV radiation can indeed damage not only the skin, but also the eyes and lead to serious long-term problems.
First of all, it is important to know that not all sunglasses provide the same level of protection. To ensure that your sunglasses offer sufficient protection against UV radiation, make sure they are equipped with a UV-400 filter. This filter blocks 99-100% of UV radiation, effectively protecting your eyes.
In addition, there are special coatings that can be applied to eyeglass lenses to provide additional protection against UV radiation. One of these coatings is the so-called "UV blocker coating," which prevents UV rays from entering from the sides. If you are unsure whether your current sunglasses have such a coating, you can have this checked by your optician.
When it comes to protecting your eyes from UV radiation in everyday life, it is indeed advisable to wear sunglasses even in winter. Even though the sun may not shine as strongly as in summer, UV radiation is still present and can harm your eyes. Special lenses that effectively protect against UV radiation include polarized lenses or lenses with a blue light filter coating.
In addition to using suitable sunglasses, you can also take other measures to protect your eyes from UV radiation. This includes wearing a wide-brimmed hat or cap to shield your eyes from direct sunlight. Additionally, make sure to regularly moisturize your eyes with eye-friendly eye drops to protect them from dryness.
I hope this information helps you and enables you to take targeted measures to protect your eyes from UV radiation. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Laura Bergmann
