You probably wouldn’t spend a summer day without sunscreen, but what about protection for your eyes? While most people remember to shield their skin from harmful UV rays, many forget that the eyes are just as vulnerable—if not more.
At Ives Eyecare Center in Murrysville and West Newton, we see this all the time. Patients walk in wearing sunglasses, only to find out their lenses aren’t actually blocking damaging UV radiation. That’s why we take the time during comprehensive eye exams to talk about real UV protection—not just what looks good, but what works.
What do UV Rays do to Your Eyes
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible wavelengths of light emitted by the sun—and they’re more dangerous to your vision than most people realize. Over time, sun exposure can increase your risk of developing severe eye conditions, including:
- Cataracts – A clouding of the lens inside the eye that can lead to vision loss
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration – Damage to the retina that impacts your central vision
- Pterygium – A non-cancerous growth on the eye's surface that can distort vision
- Photokeratitis – Also called “eye sunburn,” this painful condition affects the cornea and can cause temporary vision loss
UV Protection Myths (& The Truth)
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding UV protection, and we’ve heard it all. Here are a few common myths we want to clear up:
Myth: All sunglasses protect against UV rays.
Truth: Not necessarily. The darkness of the lens has nothing to do with UV protection. Unless the lenses specifically state 100% UVA and UVB protection, they may not offer any defense at all.
Myth: You only need UV protection in the summer.
Truth: Exposure to UV rays is a year-round concern. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, making winter months just as dangerous for your eyes as summer.
Myth: Contact lenses protect your eyes from UV rays.
Truth: Some contact lenses offer partial UV protection, but they don’t cover the entire eye or the delicate skin around it. Other UV protection might still be necessary.
How to Pick the Right Eyewear for UV Protection
When it comes to shielding your eyes from UV damage, the proper eyewear makes all the difference. Here’s what we recommend at Ives Eyecare Center:
- Look for 100% UVA and UVB protection. Whether you're shopping for eyeglasses or sunglasses, ensure the label confirms complete UV protection.
- Go for wraparound frames. These block sunlight from entering around the sides of your glasses.
- Add UV-protective coatings to your regular eyeglasses. We can help with that in our optical department.
- Consider photochromic lenses. These lenses darken in sunlight and return to clear indoors, providing you with constant protection without the need to switch pairs.
- Don’t forget your children. Their eyes are even more susceptible to UV damage. We carry child-friendly frames with built-in UV filters to help you protect their sight from an early age.
Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage with the Right Eyewear in Murrysville and West Newton
We’re here to help you protect your vision—not just in the exam room but in your everyday life. If you are buying new sunglasses or updating your eyeglasses, the team at Ives Eyecare Center can help you. They will show you the best options to protect your eyes.
With decades of experience and the latest diagnostic tools, we’re focused on your long-term eye health. If you have questions about your lenses or would like a recommendation, we can discuss them during your next eye exam.
Book your eye care appointment. Your eyes deserve just as much care as your skin. Let’s make sure they’re protected—year-round.