Whether at work or play, as summer heats up, it’s important to know this information regarding the damage that Ultraviolet waves can do to our vision. 

According to sources listed below,
Ultraviolet (UV) is the invisible band of radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than x-rays.  Between 400 nanometers (nm) and x-rays at 4 nm and below.  Listed are their three regions:

• UV-A: (400-315 nm), Near UV

• UV-B: (315-280 nm), Mid UV

• UV-C:  (280-100 nm), Far UV

Long- term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage eyes, and can lead to such disorders as cataracts and macular degeneration.   UV-blocking eye protection should be worn when people are exposed to the sun reflecting on water, sand, asphalt, and snow.  Many individuals are not aware of the dangers that contact with UV rays pose.  Everyone should wear eyewear blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays, and a brimmed hat.   According to Prevent Blindness America, children are also at risk for eye damage from exposure to UV radiation.   They should wear the same UV-blocking eyewear for outdoor play, especially between 10 am and 3 pm, when UV rays are the most intense.

Be sure when you are shopping for sunglasses that the lenses absorb at least 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays.  Avoid labels that state “Provides UV Protection”, but do not distinguish the proportion of UV rays it blocks.  Carefully select the type of eye protection that best fits your needs such as polarized safety eyewear, wraparounds, vented sunglasses, etc.

Source: Gatewaysafety.com
SafetyNets, Un.California, Davis
Prevent Blindness America