Protecting Eyes From UV Damage Should Be All-Year-Round Concern

A growing number of contact lens wearers are becoming aware of the importance of UV protection. However, only a tiny number realise that this protection must be in place at all times, not only during the sunny days of summer. UV rays also do their damage in winter and on cloudy days, which makes it extremely important to keep raising awareness among contact lens wearers.

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care has addressed the problem in an article on its website, noting that many winter sports pose greater danger than summer activities. This is due to the fact that snow is typically involved, which leads to higher UV radiation exposure because snow can reflect as much as 80%. In fact, reflected radiation can prove more dangerous than direct sunlight, the article notes. This is because people tend to look down instead of up, meaning that the light is directly reflected into their eyes. Moreover, UV ray absorption is lower at high altitude, with the atmosphere allowing more rays to pass through and cause damage to the eyes.

Contact lens wearers should be aware that half of the UV radiation exposed to our eyes comes from indirect sources. UV rays can pass through clouds and can be reflected by all surfaces regardless of the weather. According to new research, our eyes are especially vulnerable at the times we least expect, such as early morning and late afternoon.

The good news is that more people are becoming aware of the need for robust UV protection. A J&J Vision Care study has established that 75% of contact lens wearers would not mind spending extra money on products that offer this protection.