Sunglasses is a protective eyewear that is widely used by most people to prevent strong light from entering the eyes. They can also be a form of visual aid which incorporates coloured or polarized lenses. Despite its protective function, sunglasses is known as s a fashionable item and they do add a sense of styleto the wearer.

In the daytime especially between late morning until late afternoon, the sunlight can be very bright and glaring and this causes discomfort. When outdoors, a person who is performing activities such as swimming, fishing or gardening will receive more light than as person who is indoors. As a preventive measure against the harsh sunlight, usage of eye protection is highly recommended to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, within the sun’s rays, which in the long term can cause serious eye problems.

Besides ultraviolet radiation, the rays from the sun that are damaging include : bright white (visible)light and the blue End of the rays.

How does sunlight damage the eye?

blue light from the visible spectrum. The ultraviolet radiation can be divided into 3 categories which are UVA, UVB and UVC. Ultraviolet radiation carry more energy then the visible light rays therefore the eye is at risk for serious damage due to the absorption of the UV rays compared to other lights. Most of the damage that is caused by prolonged exposure from UV radiation are irreversible and can severely damage the eye. Therefore is important to protect our eyes from long term exposure to UV radiation as a preventive measure. Apart from damage to the eye, UV rays can also cause damage to the skin and body.

UV radiation can be absorbed by the various structures of the eye. The outer layers of the eye which is the cornea and the conjunctiva absorb UVB rays. The lens absorbs mainly UVA rays. The retina (the light-sensitive lining at the back of the inner eyeball) absorbs visible light. The UVC rays are already absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the earth.

UV radiation is part of the natural radiation found in the invisible light spectrum. Beside the sun as a natural source, UV rays can come from a variety of artificial sources which include welding equipment, lasers, tanning equipment and certain lamps.

The damage that occurs in the eyes from these rays are:

*Cataract (clouding of the natural lens of the eye)
*Age Related Macular Degeneration (degeneration of the sensitive part of retina)
*Pterygium (a superficial membrane covering the conjunctiva)
*Retinal damage upon directly looking at the sun

The damage that occur in the body are :

*Sunburn of the skin
*Premature skin aging
*Skin cancer
*Weakening of the immune system