Of course, the effects of Ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure to skin are now widely known, however the risks of UV exposure to eyesight are not as well known, with research suggesting just 10% of the respondents are aware that UV increases the risk of eye damage. The study suggests one in ten didn’t know that eyes are up to 10 times more sensitive to UV damage than skin.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) , UV damage is the most preventable factor of developing cataracts. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays also increases your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – the UK’s leading cause of blindness.

In past days many opted not to pay extra for UV protection when buying prescription glasses for themselves and their children. Children are particularly susceptible when it comes to UV. Evidence suggests up to 70% more light reaches a child’s retina than an adult’s and that 80% of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV eye damage happens before the age of 18.

Robert MacLaren at Professor of Ophthalmology, Oxford University comments: “Ultraviolet rays are absorbed at the front of the eye and can cause damage to the surface of the eye leading to irritation and redness. This damage may become permanent after years of exposure to ultra violet light – leading to cataracts or age related macular degeneration. Protection from UV in your everyday glasses gives you the best opportunity to avoid eye health issues in the future. It’s encouraging to see this initiative to improve eye health and I hope other opticians will follow suit.”

Do you have UV protection in your glasses? Please share in the comments box below!