How can I prevent UV damage to my eyes?

We are all aware of the harmful effects of the sun on our skin but UVA and UVB radiation is just as damaging to our eyes. The World Health Organisation recommends wearing a good pair of sunglasses, even on a cloudy day, to protect eyes from the ultraviolet radiation that you cannot see or feel. In Australia they talk about slip, slop, slap, wrap. Slip on a top, slap on a cap, slop on some sun cream and the ‘wrap’ stands for wrapped sunglasses! Put them on, your eyes are so important, our senses are the wonderous things which connect us to the world.

Bigatmo sunglasses filter out 100% of harmful UVA, UVB (and UVC) rays. This is important because today more UV rays are reaching the earth because of the reduction in the ozone layer. Everyone needs the right sun protection for their eyes and this becomes even more important for sports enthusiasts, pilots and those who spend time outdoors in high risk environments such as snow and water. A grassy surface reflects about 10% of the sun’s rays, a sandy beach about 15% and water about 25%, but a snow-covered surface can reflect at least 80%. The intensity of UV rays also increases with altitude, because the reduction in absorption factors is inversely proportional. It is estimated that the intensity of the sun’s rays increases by between 6% and 8% every 1,000 meters, and at very high altitudes reaches 12% every 1,000 meters.

Read more and follow the advice here on our Eye Health page