Take the necessary steps to protect your eyes from the sun.
No matter your age, the time of year or location, focus on safety by protecting your eyes from the sun every time you are indoors or when you go outside.
In much the same way that it damages your skin, UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) from the sun and tanning beds reaches you by invisible wavelengths, producing DNA changes that can lead to skin cancers on the eyelids and premature ageing of the delicate skin around your eyes.
It’s no secret that prolonged and repeated sun exposure can damage and lead to premature aging of the skin. The experts at TINT 360 can tint your vehicle windows to reduce the risk by eliminating up to 95 percent of harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. We can also tint the windows at your home or business for another layer of sun protection for your family.
But there are some other things to worry about, and something else we can help prevent: Cataracts, glaucoma, cancers and other diseases of the eye. Ophthalmologists and scientists have concluded in several studies that exposure to sunlight can have an adverse, long-term effect on eyesight. When you’re outside, you can wear a hat and sunglasses to protect against UV rays. You might not give it much thought while driving your ride. But check out your left arm after a road trip and you’ll understand the need for window tint if you don’t already have it.
How the sun harms your eyes
UV radiation can cause other serious eye conditions including:
Cataracts: The most common cause of treatable blindness, cataracts cloud and yellow the lens of your eye, causing progressive vision loss.
Macular degeneration: A major cause of vision loss for people over age 60, macular degeneration is caused by cumulative UV damage to the central portion of the retina, the back layer inside each eye that records what we see and sends it to your brain.
Keratitis, or corneal sunburn: UV exposure can cause painful burning of the cornea, the clear surface that admits light and images to the retina. Also known as “snowblindness,” this condition occurs in skiers and hikers because of the sun’s intensity at altitudes and its reflective nature off of water, snow and ice.
Conjunctival cancers: Once rare, these eye cancers are increasing, especially among older people.
About ocular Melanoma
While rare, ocular melanoma is the most common eye cancer
in adults. Unlike melanomas that occur on the skin, ocular
melanomas have no known association with UV rays.
How the sun harms your eyelids
If you are like most people, you’ve probably never thought about eyelid skin cancer, and it might surprise you to learn that basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma on the eyelid can occur.
To break it down further: BCCs make up the vast majority — about 90 percent — of eyelid skin cancers. Of the balance, an estimated 5 percent or more are SCCs, while melanomas account for 1 to 2 percent. Most eyelid skin cancers occur on the lower lid, because it receives the most sun exposure.
Get proactive about prevention
Untreated windows protect the eyes from only about 25 percent of damaging UV rays. As the AAO states, continued exposure to UV light raises the risks of many issues for the eyes, from cataracts to cancer. And since the damage is more cumulative than a homeowner hurting his/her eye with flying debris or dust, most people do not take precautions against UV damage. Consumers and their family members rarely wear sunglasses inside, even when the sun is at its most glaring.
Having proper Window Film professionally installed on a home’s windows can block up to 99 percent of UV rays from entering, protecting eyes from damage over time, while at the same time reducing glare and eliminating the need to squint when enjoying the view outside.
It is paramount that homeowners take precautions to protect the eyes against UV rays in the home, and in their cars, says optometrist Dr. Charles Gold, of Broadway Vision Center at 170th of New York, New York. “Contrary to what many people think, glass itself does not provide ample protection from damaging UV rays.” Dr. Gold continued, “Bringing professionals in to install the right window film for your home is a proven way to reduce glare and the impact of UV rays on the eyes.”
While extremely thin and virtually invisible to the eye, TINT 360 Window Film provides powerful protection without altering the look of a home. Though it can be tinted in several shades, homeowners can also opt for clear film, which does not alter the view in any way.
The value of good eyesight is priceless.
Any way you cut it, window-tinting can be helpful to your health.
