What Happens To Your Eyes When You Wear Cheap Sunglasses?

Summer sunglasses are the basis for protecting our eyes. However, they must be properly selected to effectively protect against harmful radiation – argues the optometrist Sylwia Kijewska in an interview.

1. Sun exposure can be harmful to our eyes. Not only does it cause conjunctivitis, it can make vision worse
2. Eye damage caused by UV radiation is irreversible – the specialist warns in the interview
3. He also explains that the optimal protection is glasses with a UV 400 filter. Such information should be placed on the glasses – glued to the lens, printed on the frame or label.
4. More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Solar radiation harmful to the eyes

In summer, we are more exposed to the sun’s rays, which, in general, can imperceptibly damage the eye tissues, the cornea and the lens, resulting in visual impairment over time.

Our eyes may also be irritated by dryness of the eye, exacerbated by warm summer wind, barbecue smoke and frequent stay in air-conditioned rooms. The dry air and high temperatures also cause excessive water evaporation from the tear film.

«So let’s not underestimate the role of sunglasses. Excessive sun exposure can cause more than just conjunctivitis. Ultraviolet radiation can also damage the eyelids, cornea, intraocular lens, and lead to permanent damage to the retina, which significantly worsens vision »- warns Sylwia Kijewska, optometrist and expert at Hoya Lens Poland, in the information provided to PAP.

She points out that what happens to the eyes after exposure to the sun does not have to be symptomatic for many years, while the eye damage caused by UV radiation is irreversible. So the first thing we should do to protect our eyes in the summer is to choose the right sunglasses to protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The more that even on cloudy days, it is quite a threat.

Which glasses best protect the eyes?

The best protection against ultraviolet radiation is glasses with a UV 400 filter, which fully protects our eyes. Information about the filter should be placed on the glasses – glued to the lens, printed on the frame or on the label.

You also need to choose the shade and tint level of the eyeglass lenses. Sunglasses have four tint categories – from category 1 for the most lightly colored to category 4 for very heavily colored. And although those for everyday use can be chosen freely, the darkest lenses – category 4 are forbidden to drive a car.

The optometrist Sylwia Kijewska also recommends that the shape of the frames should be well adjusted. Because sunglasses should not only decorate us, matching the shape of the face, but also fit tightly to it. They must not be too loose, they must protect our eyesight from all sides, inhibiting the access of light on the sides as much as possible. People actively practicing sports should also pay attention to glasses with a greater curvature of the frame, with greater strength and lightness.

What parameters should be taken into account?

What to buy? Mainly products with the CE mark (Conformitée Européenne), in proven places, i.e. in optical salons, and not in bazaars, shops, stalls or even in pharmacies. The CE symbol placed in a visible place means that the product meets the European Union standards. We can also find it on glasses sold outside optical salons, but then it usually means China Export, which does not guarantee the presence of UV filters.

When buying prescription sunglasses, choose the anti-reflective UV Control coating. Its main task is to protect against harmful UV radiation, as well as rays reflected from the inner surface of the lenses – the expert advises.

Children should also wear sunglasses, especially as they spend more time outside in summer. Ophthalmologists recommend, first of all, that children should not stay in strong sunlight for too long. They also suggest appropriate headgear, which is an additional protection against harmful radiation – on the beach, by the water or in the open.

«Also, a visual impairment does not preclude the use of sunglasses, as they can be worn according to our correction values. Such corrective sunglasses are available in a wide range of colors, also in a version with polarization or a fashionable mirror coating »- emphasizes Sylwia Kijewska.

In summer, it is easy for minor accidents. A gust of wind or playing with children is enough, and particles of sand, dust or small insects can easily get into our eyes. You should then rinse the eye intensively with physiological saline, but this cannot be done with water from the sea or lake. This rinse should help get rid of the foreign body. However, if it has stuck to the eyeball, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Remember never to try to act on your own in such cases. This may do more harm than good.

Not only sunglasses

Also, swimming in the sea, lake and even in a chlorinated pool should be done with special swimming goggles. Bacteria in the water can cause bacterial conjunctivitis and sometimes even amoebic keratitis. The infection can cause, among other things, severe eye pain or visual disturbances. Only proper hygiene and swimming with glasses can prevent this, or at least reduce the risk of infection, experts say.

«Leave and end of work is also the perfect time for periodic eye checks. It is worth not to neglect it, because the hours spent in front of the work computer, surfing the Internet or reading books could have had a negative impact on our eyesight. This seasonal control is important for us adults, but also for children at the end of the school year. Why? To catch myopia as soon as possible, which is becoming a scourge among developed societies »- adds the optometrist Sylwia Kijewska.

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