Did you know? That the sun during the winter is twice as dangerous? 🤔🤔

Sunlight is the source of all energy and is very beneficial for life. However, it also has its limitations. Excessive exposure to sunlight, which includes ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can be harmful to the skin and eyes.

During the winter season, with the comfortable cool weather, many people may neglect to stay outdoors. However, it's important to remember that the intensity of sunlight doesn't decrease significantly. Even if you stand in the shade or there's no direct sunlight, your body still receives UV radiation, which can be harmful.

Normally, we can use sunscreen to protect ourselves from UV radiation that harms us. However, many people overlook protecting their eyes. UV radiation from sunlight can also harm the eyes, even on cloudy days. Natural mechanisms like squinting, blinking, or the narrowing of pupils have limitations in protecting the eyes. (bangkokhospital)

🌈  How much does Ultraviolet affect our eyes  👀  

Ultraviolet (UV) light, which is a type of light wave with a shorter wavelength than visible light. Visible light has a wavelength of 400-700 nanometers, while ultraviolet light has a wavelength shorter than 400 nanometers. It has high energy and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

🌈  The radiation in the wavelength range between 100 - 400 nanometers can be divided into 3 ranges according to wavelength  🌈

1. UV C rays (100 – 280 nm) are the most energetic type of UV radiation and can pose the greatest risk to the skin and eyes. The ozone layer in the atmosphere can filter out these rays entirely, but currently, the ozone layer is being increasingly depleted, allowing more of this type of radiation to penetrate to the Earth's surface, posing potential health risks.

  2. UV B rays (280 – 320 nm) are radiation with less energy than UV C rays. They are partially filtered by the ozone layer. The small amount of radiation that penetrates to the Earth stimulates the production of melanin, darkening the skin. However, excessive exposure can cause sunburn, dark spots, and wrinkles, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

3. UV A rays (320 – 400 nm) have lower energy than the first two types but can penetrate through eye glass and contact lenses. Exposure to this type of radiation, especially in large quantities, may be associated with cataract formation, and some research suggests it may contribute to deteriorating visual acuity as well.

🌞  Sunlight poses various risks to different parts of the eye  🌞

🔷  Eyelids The eye's surface may change color, develop dark spots, and have wrinkles around the eyes. Additionally, there are reports of certain types of cancer occurring in the eye's surface, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Carcinoma, which may be related to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

🔷 Conjunctiva There is a degradation of the tissue around the eyelids, called "ptosis," which is caused by irritation from wind, dust, and UV radiation. If ptosis progresses into the eyelid, it is called "pterygium." Not only does it cause aesthetic concerns, but it can also interfere with vision. If inflammation occurs, it can cause pain and irritation.

🔷 Cornea The sudden inflammation of the cornea causes severe eye pain, excessive tearing, often occurring approximately 2-3 hours after exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation, such as reflected light from snow or UV radiation from welding without wearing protective goggles. Symptoms typically last temporarily for about 1-2 days.

🔷 Eye lenses The occurrence of cataracts, although they can develop due to age-related degeneration, it's found that exposure to ultraviolet radiation can increase the likelihood of cataracts. Each year, more than 16 million people worldwide suffer from visual impairment due to cataracts. According to a report from the World Health Organization, approximately 20% of cataracts may be caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation, which is a preventable cause.

🔷 Retina  In young individuals, eye lenses that are still clear cannot completely absorb ultraviolet radiation, thus there is a chance that UV radiation may penetrate and damage the retina, leading to retinal degeneration. Although our retinas naturally contain substances or pigments that help protect them, these substances decrease as we age. This reduction in natural retinal protection mechanisms makes the retina more vulnerable to degeneration and damage, especially when exposed to UV radiation. Additionally, some studies suggest that UV radiation may be associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
 (bangkokhospital)

In addition, blue light or High-Energy Visible Radiation (HEV) also has a part that can be harmful to our eyes. Especially nowadays, we are exposed to blue light almost throughout the day, from computers, televisions, and mobile phone screens.

Blue light has a wavelength range between 381 - 500 nanometers, which is close to the UV wavelength range. High levels of blue light can permanently damage cells in some people, and prolonged exposure to blue light may increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which is a critical point in the retina. The cells are gradually destroyed, leading to permanent loss of central vision eventually. (Viraya Pimolrat)

✅ Recommended UV and Blue Light Protection Lenses ✅

ZEISS UVProtect High-quality lenses from Germany

The ZEISS UVProtect technology absorbs potentially harmful UV radiation up to 400 nanometers before it reaches your eyes. ZEISS clear lenses, equipped with UV protection, effectively shield your eyes, just like premium sunglasses, during times when you're not wearing sunglasses.

High-quality light-filtering lenses from Essilor, from France.

CRIZAL BLUE UV CAPTURE

New innovation in filtering blue-violet light. With the latest feature that comes with the property of absorbing harmful light wavelengths in the lens material, the lenses remain clear and do not distort color perception.

High-quality light-filtering lenses from HOYA, from Japan.

Providing more natural colors and helping to relax the eyes while exploring the digital world.

Therefore, wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses can help protect against the dangers of sunlight or UV radiation. It is advisable to choose glasses with lenses coated with UV protection or add eye protection from blue light. Opting for glasses with lenses coated with blue light filter can help safeguard the eyes and prolong eye health.

#Review by Muller Optik

𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗳𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗘𝗥𝗢 𝗕𝗠𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗚𝗘 𝗕𝗙𝟵𝟱𝟳 𝟭𝟰𝟬 𝗖𝗢𝗟.𝟭𝟰𝟭𝟭 𝘅 𝗭𝗲𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝟭.𝟲𝟬 ✨✨

High-quality 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗳𝗶𝗻 frames from Italy, paired with premium 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗭𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗦 lenses from Germany, offer lightweight wearing experience with titanium material that is durable and flexible. The ZEISS BlueGuard Lenses protect the eyes from harmful blue light (wavelength range 400 to 455 nanometers) by up to 40%. Additionally, they provide 100% UV protection against 400 nanometer UV radiation.

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝟱𝟬 𝗖𝟳 𝘅 𝗭𝗘𝗜𝗦𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝟭.𝟱𝟬  𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗫 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻
DuraVision Platinium, UV

𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙑𝙀𝙉 eyeglass frames from France, known for their classic and distinctive design, paired with 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙡 𝙕𝙀𝙄𝙎𝙎 progressive lenses, SmarLife model. The lens structure is soft and smooth, providing clear and comfortable vision, along with UV Coating that offers 100% protection against 400 nanometer UV radiation.

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Consultation and eye measurement with optometrists are available free of charge at Müller Optic, located opposite Lanna Hospital on Superhighway Road, as well as at the branch in HomePro San Sai. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

For inquiries/reservations: Facebook : Müller OPTIK แว่นตาเชียงใหม่เฉพาะบุคคล  or Tel : 063-114-6333