What % of UV exposure would the average person receive by age 20?

Did you know?

At 20 years of age, the average person has received 80% of their life’s UV exposure. Children have more transparent lenses in their eyes and more sensitive skin on their bodies. As a result, they are at greater risk of experiencing adverse effects of over-exposure to UV light. The effects of overexposure to UV light at a younger age may not show up until later in life with higher risk of cataracts and slow degeneration of the back layer of the eye, known as Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Early protection is critical.

Foresight Eyecare is proud to launch Sunglass Cove! With several brands including Ray Ban and Maui Jim, find the right combination of fashion and function. The Foresight Eyecare team can help you find the sunglasses that look great and fit well. The frame should be big enough to do its job, prevent UV light and glare from leaking in from the top or sides of the glasses. The lens should give sharp detailed vision without distortion. Which tint colour suits your lifestyle? Are you a golfer? A skiier? How about cycling? Different tints and coatings will enhance your performance depending on the activity.

UV protection is available in some clear lenses as well as sunglasses. The choice can be confusing if you do not have some background information. Not all lenses are equal in terms of UV protection. E.g. cheaply made UV400 sunglasses will have a spray-on coating that will wear off with cleaning and give you a false sense of security. Distortion from mass producing these lenses can also cause eyestrain.

Blue Light Hazard

Our children’s generation is also exposed to a new hazard to the eyes – high energy blue light.

Almost all digital devices (such as smartphones, tablets, computers) as well as light emitting fixtures such as fluorescent lamps have light emitting diodes (LED) that radiate blue-violet wavelength light. Blue light penetrates into deeper layers of the eye compared to other lights. This can cause eyestrain, and research suggests long term exposure can also cause AMD. Limiting screentime , especially before going to sleep, is also helpful for people who have problems sleeping. Eyewear is available with blue light blocker coatings to reduce the effects of blue light.