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Over time, age naturally decreases the sharpness of your eyesight. However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun speeds up this process. Luckily, with proper eye care, you can protect your retinas and prevent UV-related vision loss. This guide covers all you need to know to preserve your eyesight.

How UV Rays Affect Your Eyes

UV radiation falls on the same spectrum as visible light, but at a wavelength you can’t see. When UV rays land on a surface, including the skin or eyes, that area absorbs the energy from the radiation, causing small burns.

UV radiation can be broken up further into three types: UVC, UVB, and UVA. High-energy UVC rays are currently blocked by the ozone layer, but UVB and UVA penetrate the atmosphere. UVB causes glare and can lead to noncancerous growths on the surface of the eye. UVA is tied to cataracts and macular degeneration.

All types of UV rays are strongest with direct exposure, but they can also reflect off of surfaces, especially bright or shiny ones. Reflection from snow, water, sand, and pavement can reach your eyes even when you're in the shade.

How to Protect Your Vision From the Sun

eye careYou need sunglasses with large lenses that completely cover your eyes. Options with darker tints are often more effective, but check the tag to ensure they block out at least 99% of both UVA and UVB radiation. 

A hat also shields your face. For the best eye care, choose one that has a wide brim with no holes. If you use a cap, keep the bill above your face instead of to the side or backward. Supplement it with sunglasses, since rays can reach your eyes from the sides. Clouds do not block radiation, so wear these layers of protection on both cloudy and sunny days.

 

 

For a wide selection of stylish sunglasses, turn to Cohen's Fashion Optical in New York City. Based in the Upper West Side, they provide eye care solutions to all of Manhattan. They have over 2,000 varieties of frames ready to be fitted with high-quality lenses. For your convenience, they're open in the evening and on weekends. Call (212) 769-1410 to ask about the brands they carry, or learn more about ocular health on their website.

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