Myths and facts - Sunglasses Do you know a UV ray from a stingray? Do you still believe you only need to wear sunglasses on summer holidays? The following myths and facts should help set you straight about shades and the sun. The darker my sunglasses the better they are for my eyes This is a MYTH – if your sunglasses do not have UV protection and carry the CE mark, the dark lenses may damage your eyes by dilating your pupil and letting in more of the harmful UV rays. In fact, brown or amber lenses are the best as they reduce the amount of blue light allowed through. I only need to wear my sunglasses on sunny days This is a MYTH – ultraviolet rays and blue light are actually present all the time during daylight hours and can do damage even when it’s cloudy! But there are times when you are at a greater risk of overexposure – find out more in sunwise code. My wraparound sunglasses offer better protection This is a FACT – because they prevent light from getting behind your sunglasses they help prevent UV and blue light entering your eyes. This is true for goggles too, as they help minimise the amount of sunlight that goes directly into the eye. Not all UV rays pose a threat This is a FACT - there are three types of UV: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Here on Earth, UV-C rays don’t pose any threat as they are absorbed by the upper atmosphere. On the Earth’s surface, the greatest threat is from UV-A. This can penetrate deep into the eye, causing damage inside it. It also causes the skin to tan, and is thought to contribute to ageing of the skin and skin cancer. Most UV-B is also absorbed before it can reach us, but some does penetrate the atmosphere, and it is even more harmful than UVA. Children are at greater risk from not wearing sunglasses This is a FACT – children’s eyes are more vulnerable than adults’. Their eyes are less developed and their pupils dilate more than those of grown-ups. It is therefore especially important for kids to wear their shades. As long as I don’t have any symptoms or problems with my eyes, I shouldn’t worry This is a MYTH – eye conditions that can cause visual impairments may have no symptoms – so have your eyes tested regularly!
Information on this fact sheet is courtesy of Guide Dogs www.guidedogs.org.uk