Ultraviolet (UV) Protection for Your Eyes
All SunSync Light-Reactive Lenses block 100% of UV light, allowing you to take in the great outdoors while defending against its damaging effects.
How UV Impacts Our Eyes
Did you know that one in three American adults experience symptoms of UV exposure?1
But how do you know if your eyes are feeling the effects of the sun? Here’s a look at some common effects of UV exposure on your eyes.
Short-Term UV Effects
- Bloodshot eyes
- Swollen eyes
- Hyper-sensitivity to light
- Photokeratits (sunburned cornea)
Long-Term UV Effects
- Cataracts
- Cancer of the eye, eyelid and surrounding skin
- Pterygium ("Surfer's Eye")
The ABC's of UV
The sun emits three types of ultraviolet radiation. Here’s what you need to know about each.
UVA
Less harmful than UVB or UVC but the most common type you come into contact with. UVA penetrates the atmosphere completely.
UVB
Very harmful with continued exposure. Some UVB rays are absorbed by the atmosphere.
UVC
The most harmful of the three. Fortunately, the atmosphere completely filters out UVC radiation.
8 Factors That Increase Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation
Eye Color
Blue eyes contain less of the protective pigment melanin than brown eyes, which could be a cause for increased vulnerability to UV.
Age
Children generally receive 3x the annual UV exposure of adults, and their developing eyes are especially vulnerable to UV-related damage.
Geography
States in the southern half of the U.S. receive more intense UV rays than those in the north, due their proximity to the equator – and therefore the sun.
Altitude
Those majestic peaks may make for amazing views, but they also up the UV intensity because the thinner atmosphere filters less of the sun’s radiation.
Time of Year
Unsurprisingly, UV levels are highest during the summer months in the U.S.
Occupation
From construction workers to crossing guards, if you work outdoors, you should be protecting your eyes.
Time of Day
UV levels are highest in the U.S. from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Environment
Reflected UV from water, snow, ice, and even concrete is also damaging to your eyes.
UV's not the only impact of time in the sun.
Discover how SunSync Light-Reactive Lenses also reduce your exposure to blue light.