UV True or False Facts?

Sunscreen provides 100% UV Protection
FALSE.  Sunscreen does not protect your eyes; particularly children under the age of 10.  Lenses have not begun the critical development to block UV Light from infancy, so UV light is transmitted through the lens to the retina.

All sunglasses offer 100% Protection from the sun
FALSE.  Many children’s sunglasses are cute, but do not have the proper protection for the eye.  Sunglasses with UV400 lenses in a wrap around style protect against UV radiation.

A hat prevents sun exposure to eyes.
TRUE.  Hats with a wide brim do reduce 50% of UV Light.

UV rays that are reflected can be just as damaging as direct exposure.
TRUE. Polarized lenses protect against UV radiation
•    Sand/Concrete reflect 25% UV radiation •    Snow reflects 85% UV radiation •    Water reflects 100% UV radiation

FACT: UV rays are invisible, high-energy rays of light that, if absorbed by your eyes, can cause or enhance several eye ailments. This happens because the UV light can cause a reaction in our eye tissue. And once it occurs, it cannot be reversed.

FACT: Sunglasses provide one of the best sources of UV protection. In order to properly protect your eyes, choose sunglasses that over at least 95 percent UV protection. Also, choose a lens tint that blocks 80 percent of transmissible light, but no more than 90-92 percent of light because lens tint does not protect you from UV rays, and can affect your ability to see correctly. Large lenses that fit close to the eyes are best. Those that block visible blue light are even safer.

FACT: The risk for retinal damage from the sun's rays is greatest in children less than 10 years old, although the consequences usually do not become apparent until well after they are adults.

FACT: All sunglasses are not the same. Effective sunglasses should block both UVA and UVB radiation. The sunglasses must be measured to block 99% to 100% of  UVA or UV400 (400 nm is the wavelength of  UVA radiation). Thankfully, most sunglasses block UVB radiation.

FACT: Ordinary sunglasses make the situation WORSE! The dark lenses cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more of the dangerous UVA radiation to damage the lens and the retina.