Eyes & Ultraviolet Radiation: Part 2

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, the sun’s rays can be harmful stuff. To best protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV and HEV rays, always wear good quality sunglasses when you are outdoors.  Wearing polarized sunglasses that block 100% of UV and HEV rays is ideal. Most over the counter lenses are not polarized, merely a tinted lens. And they do not all even meet AOA (American Optometric Association) specifications for blocking UV. Also look for larger lenses or a close-fitting wraparound style to protect as much of the delicate skin around your eyes as possible.

When shopping just know the amount of UV protection is unrelated to the color or darkness of the lens but with HEV you are better protected with a bronze, copper or reddish-brown lens. In addition to sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days can reduce your eye’s exposure to UV and HEV rays by up to 50%.

Polarized lenses block 100% of UV rays and Coppertone™ brand lenses offer more protection from HEV rays. Polarized lenses are also considered safety driving lenses. Ever feel bothered while driving East on Route 2 because the sun is in your eyes, hindering your vision and causing eye fatigue? Polarized lenses eliminate up to 97% of reflected glare off your hood, dashboard, street signs, etc. 

Besides safety, polarized lenses can enhance other activities and sports. Along with boaters, outdoor enthusiasts like skiers, bikers, golfers and joggers, benefit from polarized sunglasses. Who wouldn’t enjoy a clearer view along with the elimination of glare?

Sunglasses paired with premium non-glare such as Crizal Sunshield with Scotchgard™ Protector enhance vision even further. Sunwear lenses have a concave backside surface that acts like a mirror, magnifying the size of reflections. But this non-glare also has dual-sided, fully integrated super-hydrophobic properties that make it easier to clean and stay clean. Stop by the optical department at any D’Ambrosio Eye Care location anytime to learn more about which polarized lens best suites you! You may also request an appointment for an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Reference sources:  Skin Cancer Foundation, Healthy Sight Counseling, Home Facts, Crizal, All About Vision