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What Is UV Coating on Eye Wear?

In recent years, those purchasing glasses have noticed an influx of lens coatings available to them. Anti-scratch, -glare and -smudge lenses have found their place on the market. However, the most health-conscious addition is arguably the UV coating. Scientists have discovered that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases the amount of damage incurred by the eyes, and the UV coating works to prevent this damage.

  1. Components of UV Coating

    • The coating on glasses which works to protects your eyesight is composed of chemicals that absorb ultraviolet light. The chemicals, called acrylates (polymethyl methacrylate is most common), form a dye, which is then painted onto both eyeglasses and sunglasses. Though the shade of the dye on eyeglasses is so light that it is almost unnoticeable, the tint on sunglasses is very dark. In reflexive lenses, the dye darkens when exposed to UV light and lightens when the exposure is taken away.

    Damage Prevention

    • Scientists have linked exposure to the sun with many eye-related diseases, including cataracts and retinal damage. Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's lens, preventing light from entering the eye, while damage to the retina, or retinal burn, can result in cloudy vision or vision loss. Therefore, many opticians suggest that glasses be coated with UV protection. This helps protect your eyes all the time, even when sunglasses are out of reach.

    Those Most Susceptible to UV Damage

    • Though the risk of UV damage exists for anyone who goes outside, there are a few groups of people who are more at risk for eye damage than others. Those who are constantly exposed to bright light, such as mountaineers, sailors, gardeners and truckers, run the risk of developing sun-related eye damage. Additionally, those on certain medications, including antibiotics, tranquillisers, contraceptives and antihistamines, are more susceptible to sun damage.

    Asking for UV Protection

    • When ordering prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses, it is important to request that the pair come with UV protective lenses. Additionally, if you want a pair of lenses which change depending on the intensity of the sun, ask for reflexive or transition lenses, as they will give you the optimal protection depending on the sun's rays. However, if you want glasses with unchanging lenses, ensure that you still have a coating of UV protection painted on the lenses. This clear coating will help save your eyesight if prescription sunglasses aren't for you.

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