The infographic below breaks down UV safety facts for your eyes.
Some myths about UV:
- UV is only a problem on sunny days and peaks around noon.
- FALSE: Studies have shown that in 3 out of 4 seasons of the year UV exposure to the eye is highest before 10 am and after 3pm. In fact the eye receives twice as much UV in early morning and late afternoon (angle of the sun is lower) than at high noon
- As long as I wear sunglasses that say UV 400 on them I'm covered
- FALSE: Depending on the size of the frame, the angle it sits on your face and the distance from your forehead to the top of the frame, your sunglasses can let in up to 45% of damaging UV rays to the eye. Add a hat and a full wrapped frame in addition to UV blocking contact lenses
- Kids and Adults are both equally susceptible to UV damage
- FALSE: Children have clearer lenses, larger pupils and generally spend more time out doors. Their lens anatomy lets in 80-90% of UV rays compared to less than 10% in the adult eye. Before the age of 20, kids are highly susceptible to cumulative damage from UV - PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN'S EYES STARTING TODAY!
- I don't need to wear use UV eye protection in the Winter or on cloudy days
- FALSE: UV exposure to the eye is similar year round, and even on cloudy days or in the winter, UV transmission through the clouds and reflection off water and snow actually allow UV to get to the eyes of more people because they are less likely to be wearing 'ocular sunscreen'
- A hat and sunglasses provide me with enough UV eye protection
- FALSE: Ask your Doctor of Optometry if your contact lenses are UV blocking lenses. That's right, not all contact lenses block harmful UVA and UVB so be informed and ask your eye wear provider. ACUVUE brand contact lenses are class 1 and 2 UV blocking contact lenses.
