The sun and indoor lighting are both helpful in keeping the world functioning. Even so, they have HEV or high-energy visible blue light and UV or ultraviolet light that are harmful to your eyes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology acknowledges the importance of eye protection from these harmful types of light. The earlier you start protecting your eyes, the lower your risk becomes in developing serious eye conditions. You should talk about UV and HEV light protection with your eye care provider. Once you do this, you can work with your eye specialist in determining the correct coatings, materials, and lenses for the glasses that you need. If you want to find out the facts, here’s what you should know.
 

The Truth About Blue and UV Lights

Blue and UV lights are found everywhere. Every day, you are surrounded by these harmful rays, whether you are indoors or outdoors. Here are some important details about these types of light:
 

• UV light. Short, intense exposure to UV light can cause eye conditions such as photokeratitis. Nonetheless, prolonged exposure can result in more serious eye issues like cataracts. Studies show that UV-B and UV-C rays are mostly blocked by the atmosphere. The UV-A rays are the ones that reach the Earth’s surface. Because your cornea blocks UV-A, the harmful rays cannot reach your retina.
   

• Blue light. Also known as HEV (high-energy visible) light, blue light can penetrate your eyes. It can reach your retina and damage it. Long-term exposure to this light can result in the photo-oxidation of your retinal cells. This process leads to age-related macular degeneration.
   

The Right Coatings and Materials

Experts say that you cannot depend on your sunglasses to give you protection from blue and UV lights. You should still have the right eye care measures to help your protective eyewear. Polycarbonate and Trivex® are common materials that can provide protection from harmful UV light. With them, your sunglasses can block 100 percent UV light. It can also shield you from a good percentage of HEV light.
 

Eye Protection as a Habit

Although it’s hard to maintain, you should do your best to ward off blue and UV lights outside all the time. Form a routine out of it by wearing protective sunglasses at the right time whenever you go out. To prepare yourself when the sun’s rays suddenly become strong, pack a pair of protective sunglasses and a hat in your bag. You can do this for your child as well because their eyes tend to absorb more HEV and UV lights. Also, talk to your eye care provider about the blue-light-blocking glasses or lenses that you and your family members can wear. They can be useful when you use your electronic gadgets indoors.
 

Shielding against blue and UV lights is important for your eye and vision health. At Optical Masters, we only want you to have the right level of eye protection outdoors and indoors. Please visit our clinics in Denver, Colorado, for an in-person consultation. You can also call us at 720-780-8881 (Monaco), 720-780-9970 (Federal), or 720-782-2190 (University). We can help schedule your appointment or answer your questions about our HEV and UV light protective eyewear.