| Definition of Ultraviolet (UV): An invisible band of radiation having a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays –between 400 nanometers (nm) and x-rays at 4 nm and below. This spectrum has been subdivided into three regions:
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|  UV-A (400-315 nm) - Also known as Near UV, The Black Light Region or Suntan region
UV-B (315-280 nm) - Also known as Mid UV, the Erythemal region. Causes reddening of the skin.
UV-C (280-100 nm) - Also known as Far UV. The most damaging UV, causes skin cancer.
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More and more scientific evidence shows that long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage eyes.
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| • | Ultraviolet radiation may contribute to the development of various eye disorders, such as macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, and cataracts, a major cause of visual impairment and blindness around the world.
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| • | Eye damage warning: The cornea of the eye is composed of a thin layer of specialized epithelia cells. These cells can also absorb UV radiation, resulting in tiny lesions on the cornea that may not be felt for several hours after exposure. The sensation is much like having sand in your eye. Known as photokeratitis, welder’s flash or snow blindness, the effects can last up to 48 hours but subsides as the cells of the cornea rebuild. Although most UV radiation that enters the eye is absorbed in the cornea, molecular changes can occur in the lens as photons bombard proteins and change their configuration, resulting in cataract formation.
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| • | Everyone—including children—is at risk for eye damage that can lead to vision loss from exposure to UV radiation.
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| --Source, SafetyNets, University of California, Davis |
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Protection from UV
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| • | Ultraviolet-absorbing eyewear provides the greatest measure of UV protection.
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| • | Examine labels carefully to ensure that the lenses absorb at least 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B. Be wary of labels that claim "Provides UV Protection" without specifying exactly what percentage of UV rays the product blocks.
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| | --Source, Prevent Blindness America®*
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| | *Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness America® is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. |
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Blue Light (Blue Blur)
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| • | Another possible area of damage is from blue light—visible light in the blue portion of the spectrum.
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| • | Blue light, in the middle of the visible light spectrum, focuses imperfectly on the retina while scattering in the eye. This phenomenon, called "blue blur," is further intensified by moisture and dust particles, and haze, fog, rain and snow on overcast days.
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| | There is no proof that "blue blur" damages the eye. Studies have shown, however, that the retina can suffer photochemical damage caused by shorter wavelengths of visible light--the blue end of the spectrum. Some scientists now believe that routine outdoor exposure to blue light over many years may age the retina and add to macular degeneration in sensitive individuals |
