Protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet radiation is essential in preventing eye diseases such as cataracts and photokeratitis. Sunglasses are the go-to accessory for many to provide UV protection, but a recent study published in the journal Research on Biomedical Engineering has raised concerns about the effectiveness of this protection.
The study evaluated 12 different models of sunglasses and found that only one model met the safety limits for ultraviolet radiation exposure set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Researchers from the Ophthalmic Instrumentation Laboratory at the São Carlos School of Engineering of the University of São Paulo (EESC-USP) in Brazil discovered that most lenses did not meet the safety limits and lost their UV blocking ability over time, increasing the risk of eye damage.
The study highlights the importance of adopting the ICNIRP limits as standard practice in the industry to improve the quality of sunglasses and ensure comprehensive vision protection. Standards for certification of sunglasses and eye protection focus on limiting solar radiation filters between 280 and 380 nanometers (nm), although the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission recommend extending the limits to 400 nm for enhanced protection.
Professor Liliane Ventura, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the need for safety standards and norms based on scientific research to ensure effective UV protection. Ventura and her team are developing prototypes for measuring radiant exposure of the eye and testing the blocking of UV radiation in sunglasses to enhance product quality and safety.
The study also revealed that sunglasses should guarantee UVA protection of over 86% regardless of the lens category, as less protection can increase the risk of UV exposure. The findings suggest that extending protection up to 400 nm could minimize unnecessary exposure and improve eye health.
Ventura and her team have been instrumental in establishing guidelines for sunglass protection requirements in Brazil since the late 1990s. Their research has influenced regulatory bodies to revise standards for sunglass protection, emphasizing the importance of UV protection filters and irradiation resistance tests.
Currently, there is no requirement for sunglasses to be certified for sale in Brazil, but Ventura is working on a prototype for measuring eye radiant exposure that could help consumers make informed choices when purchasing sunglasses. The ongoing research and development in this field aim to enhance the quality and safety of sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV radiation and prevent eye diseases.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of choosing sunglasses that meet safety standards for UV protection and highlights the need for industry-wide adoption of comprehensive vision protection measures to safeguard eye health.
