The largest source of UV (ultraviolet) light is the sun. UV radiation is present all year round, not just in the summer. Although UV rays help trigger vitamin D production, unfortunately prolonged UV exposure also poses some serious health risks. Most people know that UV rays can damage the skin, although little attention is spent thinking about the damage it can cause to the eyes and its surrounding skin. To protect the skin, we wear sunscreen, but we also need to protect our eyes. UV is known to cause photo ageing, wrinkles, sun spots, freckles and even skin cancer. Prevention is better than cure, and that is why Zeiss have put so much emphasis on UV protection.
Patients can present with a number of issues as a result of UV damage:
Photokeratitis Sunburn of the cornea due to excessive UV exposure.
Cataracts Clouding of the eye’s crystalline lens, often as a result of excessive UV exposure. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 20% of all cataracts are caused or worsened by UV radiation.
Photo ageing and skin damage Photo ageing of the eyelids thickens skin and causes wrinkles.
Zeiss UV Protect Technology
Zeiss are able to offer full UV protection in all clear standard, plastic lenses, against both direct and indirect light. Providing protection against UV rays up to 400 nm unlike most other clear lenses.
1. ZEISS UV Protect Technology provides protection from the front.
2. ZEISS Premium UV coatings UV back protection.
UV rays between 380 and 400 nm penetrates the skin more deeply. The longer the UV wavelength, the deeper it travels into the eyes, skin and eyelids. 40 % of the total UV irradiance ranges between 380 and 400 nm, meaning that true UV protection should cover the range up to 400 nm. Zeiss are able to offer this unlike most other clear lenses, and thats why we at OC eyecare want to offer our patients the best on the market.