We know what you’re thinking: do I really need to worry about UV rays in the UK? The answer is a big YES.
While the UK might not be famous for its sunshine, when the heat does arrive, it often catches us off guard. Right now, as temperatures rise and the sun blazes down, it’s the perfect time to talk about protecting your eyes.
A healthy dose of sunlight boosts vitamin D, lifts our mood and gives us a great excuse to enjoy the outdoors – whether it’s a picnic, a lunchtime walk, or just soaking up the rays in the garden. But as enjoyable as sunshine is, it brings real risks – especially for your eyes.
We’re usually good at applying sun cream or grabbing a sunhat, but eye protection often gets overlooked. As the UK enjoys a (rare!) spell of hot, sunny weather, now is the perfect time to remind your team just how important it is to protect their eyes. The good news? EyeMed UK makes it easy to stay safe, shielded – and stylish – in the sun.
UV Light, Outdoor Exposure and Eye Health
The sun emits three types of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Fortunately, UVC rays are filtered out by the ozone layer. UVA and UVB, however, reach us and they can have real consequences for eye health.
UVA rays make up around 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth (1). They’re present even on cloudy days and can penetrate windows, meaning you don’t have to be sunbathing outdoors to be exposed (2).
Cancer Research UK reports that 90% of visible signs of ageing around the eyes can be linked to UV exposure, and the eyes themselves are also vulnerable (3). Without protection, UV rays can damage multiple parts of the eye, including the cornea, lens and retina. This increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and in rare cases, ocular melanoma (4).
Reflected sunlight is another concern. UV rays bouncing off water, snow or even concrete can cause photokeratitis (essentially sunburn of the eye). It’s painful, can blur vision, and while temporary, it’s certainly unpleasant.
Long-term exposure may also result in conditions like pterygium (also known as surfer’s eye), a growth on the eye that can eventually interfere with vision (6).
Common Myths About UV Eye Protection
Despite wide awareness of UV dangers, several misconceptions still exist:
- Myth: UV risk is low on cloudy or cool days.
UV exposure is year-round, even in the UK. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds (7). This means you need eye protection even when the sun isn’t visibly shining. Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, making protective eyewear essential in colder months too (8).
- Myth: I can’t wear sunglasses because I need prescription glasses.
Good news! You can get your prescription lenses fitted into almost any sunglass frame. So, you don’t have to choose between clear vision and protecting your eyes from UV rays.
- Myth: Only expensive sunglasses offer good protection.
Quality UV protection doesn’t need to be costly. Many affordable options provide 99% to 100% UV protection, and you should look for sunglasses clearly labelled with this guarantee (9).
- Myth: Darker lenses mean better UV protection.
A darker tint does not equal greater UV protection. In fact, without proper UV filtering, dark lenses can cause pupils to dilate, letting in more harmful rays (10). Proper UV-blocking coating is what truly matters.
- Myth: Small, stylish frames are enough.
Sunglasses should fit well and be large enough to prevent UV rays from entering around the sides. Wraparound styles or oversized lenses are best for complete coverage (11).
How EyeMed UK Helps
At EyeMed UK, we believe protecting your eyes shouldn’t be complicated. Our vision benefits are designed to make UV safety accessible, practical and stylish.
With your day-to-day glasses covered by your employer-funded voucher, why not treat yourself to a pair of prescription sunglasses?
Perfect for all year round, polarised lenses combine the clarity of your prescription with the comfort of UV protection. They’re especially handy for driving, helping reduce glare and improve visibility.
Thinking about a new pair of sunnies? Be sure to ask your optician about polarised lenses next time you visit.
Protect your eyes and look great doing it – encourage your employees to make the most of their EyeMed UK benefits today.
To learn more about EyeMed UK’s managed vision care, get in touch today.
Sources:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- British Association of Dermatologists (www.bad.org.uk)
- Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org)
- NHS: “UV Radiation and Your Eyes”
- RNIB: “Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun”
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Met Office UK
- Skin Cancer Foundation UK
- College of Optometrists UK
- Association of Optometrists (www.aop.org.uk)
- Vision Matters UK (National Eye Health Week)