As Increased Sun Exposure Increases the Need for Glasses, How Can This Eyewear Be Optimized?

(Photo : Jess Bailey Designs from Pexels)

The human eye is an incredibly sensitive organ that is vulnerable to various environmental factors. This includes sun exposure, which is one of the major contributors to the increasing need for corrective glasses and the deterioration of overall eye health. The World Economic Forum (WEF) reports that excess sun damage has caused a significant jump in cases of cataracts, pterygium, acute solar retinopathy, and photoconjunctivitis. At the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that over two billion people globally now have vision issues that need correcting.

Because the sun is also known for its benefits, such as being a source of vitamin D, some may wonder, "How is sunlight harmful to our vision and eye health?" The answer is that it emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation—a form of invisible light that can cause serious damage to the body. This is a large concern, especially for individuals already suffering from vision problems, as UV radiation can cause further eye complications on top of their already existing refractive errors. Because of this, many are looking for better ways to optimize their prescription eyeglasses.

How UV and Sun Exposure Is Worsening Eye Health

Prolonged UV and sun exposure has been proven to worsen eyesight and eye health by developing or exacerbating various eye complications, as well as accelerating the degenerative process.

Cataracts, for instance, occur when the lens of the eye becomes clouded, leading to blurry vision; UV rays have been linked to the development and progression of cataracts, further impairing already weakened vision. In addition, when the eyes fail to produce enough tears to keep the eyes moist, it could lead to dry eye syndrome, a condition with symptoms of fluctuating vision, as well as discomfort and redness in the eyes. This can make daily activities more challenging for those already dealing with compromised vision.

Those with vision problems are also at a heightened risk of developing photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn in the eye. This is because they often focus on the refractive correction that their eyewear provides and overlook the protective properties. Photokeratitis can cause a range of symptoms, such as redness, blurred vision, and foreign body sensation in the eyes. For individuals already dealing with vision issues, the added discomfort and temporary vision impairment can be significantly detrimental.

Best Practices for Wearing Glasses to Limit Sun Damage

While sunglasses may be the first thing that comes to mind for sun protection, wearing the right prescription glasses is just as important-especially when used correctly.

Wear your glasses regularly.

For prescription glasses wearers, especially those who are new to them, the question of "should I be wearing glasses all the time?" may pop up. First and foremost, prescription lenses correct vision problems, allowing individuals to see clearly. Whether it's nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, these common eye conditions can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Without proper correction, individuals may struggle with doing daily tasks or even recognizing faces. By wearing prescription glasses regularly, these impairments are corrected, resulting in an improved visual experience.

Moreover, prescription lenses provide essential eye protection from UV radiation and glare caused by the sun. Through the implementation of UV-blocking coatings, these lenses protect the eyes from both UVA and UVB radiation. Ultimately, prescription lenses offer a convenient and practical solution for both basic vision protection and sun protection, ensuring the health and well-being of the eyes.

Apply proper coatings.

Contrary to popular belief, regular prescription eyeglasses can have just as much protective properties as sunglasses. According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, the dark tinting on sunglasses is not the important part when it comes to UV protection, but rather the UV coating. When having prescription glasses made, ensure that your lenses are polycarbonate, as these block UV rays without additional coatings. This way, you can ensure the combination of clear vision and sun protection.

Another type of coating that can be added to prescription lenses is the anti-reflection (AR) coating, which has the primary purpose of minimizing glare. This coating can prevent irritation, eye strain, and overall discomfort that can be triggered by sun glare and other bright light reflections. Additionally, this type of coating has also evolved to be able to provide UV protection. This can further enhance the effectiveness of fighting off the harmful rays, especially when combined with actual UV coating.

Select the right style.

Eyeglass frames come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, and choosing the right one is one of the best ways to optimize your prescription lenses for sun protection. For example, eyeglasses that come in wrap-around styles provide excellent coverage and protection against harmful UV rays. Unlike traditional glasses, which only shield the front of the eyes, wrap-around glasses extend their lens shape to go over the sides of the face. This design effectively blocks sunlight from entering the eyes through peripheral vision, preventing UV damage from all possible angles. By offering a wider field of vision coverage, wrap-around glasses ensure that no stray light can penetrate the eyes, offering superior protection.

Another option would be oversized glasses, which have emerged as a popular fashion trend, adding a touch of style to the practicality of sun protection. These larger frames provide ample coverage not only for the eyes but for the delicate skin surrounding them as well.

All these aforementioned tips can help you combat sun-related vision issues so your prescription glasses offer more protection and correction.