Patient Education

Q: What is UV Radiation

A: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the invisible high-energy rays from the sun that are just beyond the violet/blue end of the visible spectrum. UV radiation is broken down into three levels. UV-A and UV-B cause damage to the eyes. UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the earth. Ultraviolet radiation reaches the eye not only from the sky but also by reflection from water, sand, snow and other bright surfaces.

Q: What kinds of eye damage does UV Radiation cause?

A: Cataract: Cataracts are lens opacities caused by long term exposure to UV radiation. Lens opacities can potentially decrease vision.

Macular degeneration: Chronic UV exposure may contribute to agin processes in the retina, including macular degeneration.

Pterygium: is a growth tissue on the white of the eye that may extend onto the clear cornea where it can block vision. It presents most commonly in people who work outdoors in the sun and wind, and is correlated to the amount of UV exposure.

Cancer: Cancer of the skin, including the eyelids and facial skin, is a well-known consequence of excessive UV exposure.

Photokeratitis: is a reversible sunburn of the cornea resulting from excessive UV-B exposure. It follows from spending long hours on the beach or snow whithout eye protection. It can be extremely painful for 1-2 days and can result in temporary loss of vision.

Q: How can I protect my eyes from UV radiation

A: Protection from sunlight can be obtained by using a brimmed hat or UV-absorbing eyewear. Ultraviolet absorbing eyewear provides the greatest measure of UV protection, particularly if it has a wraparound design to limit entry of peripheral rays.

Ideally all types of eyewear, including prescription spectacles and contact lenses should absorb most of the UV spectrum. UV absorption can be incorporated into nearly all optical materials currently in use, and does not interfere with vision. Polarization or photosensitive darkenings are additional sunglass features that are useful for certain visual situations, but do not, by themselves, provide UV protection. There is presently no uniform labeling of sunglasses that provides adequate information to the consumer. Labels should be examined carefully to insure that the lenses purchased absorb at least of 99-100% of UVA and UVB.

Q: Do contact lenses provide UV protection?

A: Acuvue and Precision UV are examples of disposable contact lenses that have UV protection. However, UV-absorbing contact lenses are not substitutes for UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses.

Q: What is the UV protection in different types of lens materials?

A:

Polycarbonate and high-index plastic lens materials currently provide the best protection against UV-light.