Protect yourself from the sun and UV rays

Summer is just around the corner, and so is the sun. Like the skin, the eyes are very sensitive to sunlight. Representing just 2% of our body's surface, they are transparent, let light through and are therefore very fragile. The rays emitted by the sun are diffused in the atmosphere in different ways: by diffusion or reflection. The deeper they reach the eye, the more serious the consequences (cataracts, AMD...). It also varies according to age. So how do you protect yourself from the sun's rays and UV rays?

Sunglasses

Rather than being blinded and dazzled by the sun, you too have probably adopted sunglasses. And yet, there's a whole range of sunglasses to choose from. So how do you choose the right pair of sunglasses?

First of all, it's important to buy your sunglasses from a specialist (by which I mean an in-store optician or an online optician). Many sunglass frames are sold in supermarkets. They may be cheaper and have more models, but the quality isn't always up to scratch. Some may even cause you problems. The tint of the lenses may give the impression of protection, but this is not the case. Also, make sure that the protection factor of your glasses is adapted to your expectations. There are different categories of sunglasses:

• - Category 0 lenses: These are light-colored lenses (transparent or yellow) with a very slight tint. They filter out between 0 and 19% of UV rays.


• - Category 1 lenses: These are light-colored lenses. They filter out 20 to 57% of solar luminosity. These are generally sunglasses for aesthetic protection and comfort. This category of filtration is very light and does not provide effective protection from the sun and UV rays in the event of prolonged exposure.


• - Category 2 lenses: These filter out between 58 and 82% of UV rays. This protection is effective in situations of average sunshine. They can also be worn in changing sunlight and in between seasons, such as early spring and late autumn.


• - Category 3 lenses: These lenses offer a perfect filter for most sunlight situations. Your sunglasses will filter out 83% to 92% of the sun's rays. They provide excellent eye protection against the sun's rays and glare for most activities.


• - Category 4 lenses: These lenses are particularly effective in situations of high solar luminosity (summer, seaside or mountain vacations). This is the most powerful filter of all: it can filter out up to 97% of UV rays and is forbidden for driving, as it alters vision and ocular color perception. This type of lens is highly recommended, especially for children.

Other sun protection tips

• - Wear a hat or visor to increase the protective effect of your sunglasses.


• - Even in the shade, don't forget to wear sunglasses. They will protect you from possible glare.


• - All year round, whether you're in the mountains, by the sea or in town, remember to wear your sunglasses when the sun's rays are present.


• - Check that your lenses bear the European CE mark (this indicates that your lenses filter out 100% of UV rays).


• - Check that the tint of your lenses is dark enough to protect you from the sun's rays.


• - The optical quality of your lenses must be optimal (watch out for scratches that could render the protective glass ineffective).


• - Don't neglect children. Before the age of 12, their crystalline lenses are still transparent: they are therefore very sensitive to UV radiation. So be sure to choose frames adapted to their morphology, to optimize the effectiveness of sunglasses. The addition of a cord or elastic band will give them optimum support.

Sun-tinted lenses

Sun-tinted lenses, also known as photochromic lenses or transition lenses, feature fantastic technology. Originally, these are white lenses with a special feature: they tint in the sun. So, the brighter the light, the darker the lenses. Conversely, as light intensity diminishes, the lenses regain their original color and become transparent again. So your eyes receive just the right amount of light, whatever the situation. A real revolution, photochromic lenses have many advantages: they mean you only need one pair of glasses, and they allow you to adapt quickly to the different light sources around you.

Clip-on lenses

There's a new technology that's just as innovative: clip-on lenses. It's all very simple, but it's worth thinking about. These are sunglasses that snap directly onto your corrective lenses. So there's no need to carry around your sunglasses and optical frames. Although they take up little space, are inexpensive and very clever, clip-on lenses are far less attractive than a conventional pair of sunglasses. Now it's up to you to weigh up the pros and cons.