UV protective glasses. UV eye protection

Why is ultraviolet radiation dangerous? When and how should you protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation? What lenses with a UV filter can you buy in our online store?

We begin to think about protecting our skin from the sun only with the appearance of its bright summer rays. After all, everyone has heard about the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on our health and many are familiar with medical “horror stories”: it causes cancer and wrinkles appear faster. Unfortunately it's true. However, not only the skin, but also the eyes should be protected from sunlight, since ultraviolet radiation is also very dangerous for them.

By the way, the position: “I see the bright sun - I remember about ultraviolet protection” is not entirely correct. Because there is a type of ultraviolet rays that is active at any time of the year: UVA (spectrum A rays). And yes, even in the harsh Russian winter, when you can’t see the sun at all for 3/4 days, and even on cloudy autumn days.

Tags contact lenses

Ultraviolet rays are electromagnetic radiation in the spectrum between visible and invisible X-ray radiation, the main source of which for people is the Sun. They come in three ranges, determined by wavelength:

  • near - UVA
  • medium - UVB
  • distant - UVC.

Spectrum A and B rays pose a direct threat to people, since C rays do not reach the Earth's surface and are absorbed in the atmosphere. Excess ultraviolet radiation causes burns of varying degrees, cancer, and premature aging of the skin. It is dangerous for the visual organs with such troubles as:

  • lacrimation,
  • photophobia,
  • and in severe cases - corneal burn and retinal damage.

We wrote more about the effects of ultraviolet radiation on vision in.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM UV rays

To protect your eyes from solar radiation you can and should use:

  • sunglasses
  • regular (corrective) glasses with specially coated lenses with UV filters (for example, the Crizal brand has these and other lenses with multifunctional coatings)
  • contact lenses with UV filters.

Like sunglasses and creams, contact lenses also have several degrees of protection from UV radiation, which are called classes:

  • 99% UVB and 90% UVA are blocked first
  • The second class filter protects against 95% UVB and 50% UVA.

On packages of contact lenses with a UV filter there is a corresponding mark, usually without indicating the class. If necessary, precise information about the lens protection class can be obtained from the manufacturer.

I would like to note that contact lenses with sun protection are not a complete replacement for sunglasses, but an excellent addition to them. After all, lenses do not protect the area around the eyes, do not save from blinding glare and do not increase the contrast of vision, as, for example, polarized glasses do.

Absolutely all ACUVUE® brand contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson contain UV filters - no other brand can boast such a “breadth” of sun protection across its entire product line. Let's look at a few examples.

Contact lenses 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® - These are soft contact lenses made of silicone hydrogel, a reliable and high-quality modern material. Research results have shown that ACUVUE® TruEye® lenses do not affect the health of your eyes: the condition of your eyes remains exactly the same as before you started wearing the lenses. [I]

They are great for constant wear throughout, even the longest, day. A fruitful work schedule, then playing sports in the gym or jogging in nature, and then planning to drop by for a party with friends? And are you worried whether your lenses will withstand such a rhythm? 1-DAY ACUVUE® TruEye® - will definitely cope with this task! After all, they were specially created for everyone who prefers an active, vibrant and interesting lifestyle.

In addition to the moisturizing component that will prevent your eyes from experiencing discomfort and a feeling of dryness, ACUVUE® TruEye® lenses have maximum protection against ultraviolet radiation - class 1 filters. Accordingly, they block 99% of UVB rays and block 90% of UVA rays.

The replacement period for these lenses is 1 day. That is, you do not need to worry about storing and cleaning them. At the end of the day you just need to throw them away, and in the morning you will take a new pair out of the package!

Lenses ACUVUE® OASYS® And ACUVUE® OASYS® for ASTIGMATISM Designed for two weeks of wear. The unique technology of these lenses - HYDRACLEAR® PLUS - allows you to forget about dryness and keep the lenses moisturized, which means super-comfortable throughout the day. They are suitable for those who spend a lot of time at the computer, with gadgets and in rooms with dry air (for example, in the office). The excellent oxygen permeability of these lenses allows the eyes to breathe freely. A radiant look and constant comfort - what more could you want from lenses?

Of course, safety! ACUVUE® OASYS® and ACUVUE® OASYS® for ASTIGMATISM have a class 1 UV filter, like ACUVUE® TruEye®, i.e. Blocks over 99% UVB and over 90% UVA .

The advantage of these lenses is that they are more economical in price than daily lenses. However, routine replacement lenses require solutions, storage containers and some time to care for them.

Contact lenses are a medical product that comes into contact with the surface of the eye, and their selection should only be carried out by a specialist - an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Therefore, although the price can be a very tempting argument in favor of purchasing certain lenses, you still need to focus only on the recommendations of your doctor.

These are beauty lenses for those who do not seek compromises between health and beauty! By highlighting the natural color of your iris with their design, they make your image brighter, your gaze more expressive, and you more confident! However, ACUVUE® DEFINE® lenses should not be confused with colored lenses, because they do not completely change the color of your eyes. There are 2 versions of these lenses on the market: with a brown tint and with a blue tint. The manufacturer states that the lenses are suitable for owners of both light and dark eyes.

In addition to charm and comfort, 1-DAY ACUVUE® DEFINE® contact lenses will also provide you with protection from harmful sun rays, thanks to the presence of a class 1 UV filter. The replacement period is 1 day, which adds points to the convenience and comfort of these lenses.

Contact lenses 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® and 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST® for ASTIGMATISM also have sun filters. They block 95% of UVB and more than 50% of UVA rays, because... belong to the 2nd class of protection.

Contact lenses from another manufacturer, BAUSCH + LOMB, are another one-day lenses that will protect your eyes from harmful sun rays - UVA and UVB. They are made of an innovative material - HyperGelTM, combining the advantages of both hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses. Excellent oxygen permeability, high moisture content, High DefinitionTM high-definition optics - everything in them is created to make you feel in these lenses as if they are not even there before your eyes! 16 hours of excellent vision and comfort - that's what the manufacturer promises us.

You can choose the right sun contact lenses for you in our Ochkarik optics stores. To avoid waiting, we recommend making an appointment with a medical specialist in advance.

When writing this article, materials from the following sites were used: jjvc.ru, acuvue.ru, marieclaire.ru, gismeteo.ru, ru.wikipedia.org, bausch.ru.

[I] D. Ruston, K. Moody, T. Henderson, S. Dunn. Daily contact lenses: silicone hydrogel or hydrogel? Optichen, 07/01/2011. Pages 14-17.

Koch et al. Eyes and contact lenses. 2008;34(2): 100-105. Influence of internal wetting components of contact lenses on higher order aberrations.

Brennan N., Morgan P. CLAE. Oxygen consumption was calculated using the Noel Brennan method. 2009; 32(5): 210-254. Almost 100% of oxygen reaches the cornea when wearing lenses during the day, for comparison: this figure is 100% without lenses on the eyes.

What is the protection level of sunglasses?
What do you need to know about the light transmission of lenses in sunglasses?
Will cheap sunglasses ruin your vision?

When purchasing sunglasses, people fall into two categories:

  • those who are extremely scrupulous in their choice study all the marks and icons on the labels
  • and those who buy the glasses they like in the accessories section of any clothing store or supermarket just because the model suits their face or clothes.

We won’t say for now whether there is a single correct approach, but we will tell you what parameters sunglasses have, so that each person can choose what is right for him in this particular situation.

Tags medicine glasses eyes

What do you think is the main function of sunglasses? That’s right, it’s even “indicated” in their name - to protect from the sun. And here is an important nuance! Protection is not just “making sure your eyes don’t squint in the sun,” but “protecting your eyes from exposure to harmful ultraviolet light that is present in the sun’s rays.” And the ideal option for sunglasses is 100% UV blocking. This protection will be provided by glasses with UV400 symbols on the temple (sometimes called the “arm”). The number 400 in the marking means that these glasses block all rays of the ultraviolet spectrum of solar radiation with a wavelength of up to 400 nanometers.

The minimum acceptable value, according to GOST R 51831-2001, is the UV380 marking. It is not recommended to buy glasses with protection below this limit, since they transmit ultraviolet radiation, which can provoke the development of cataracts and retinal diseases.

In the Ochkarik optical salons, all sunglasses have the highest degree of protection, and you can be sure of their impeccable reliability.

LIGHT TRANSMISSION AND DEGREE OF DARKNESS

In addition to the degree of protection from UV rays, there is another important parameter: the category (filter) of light transmission of the lens. Like the first one, it can also be indicated on the temple of the glasses.

If the corresponding marking is not there, it may be indicated in the documentation for the glasses. This is acceptable and is not evidence of counterfeit or poor quality of the product, since Russia does not regulate the place where the light transmission category of glasses should be indicated. In Europe, by the way, there is a corresponding quality standard - EN ISO 12312-1, which requires that the category be indicated on the temple (arm) of glasses. It might look like this:

Let's look at the categories of spectacle lenses:

  • 0 category orCat.0 transmits from 100 to 80% of light.

This category includes ordinary glasses “with diopters” and clear lenses, which are made according to a doctor’s prescription and are intended to be worn indoors, at night or in twilight; night glasses for drivers; some sports and snow and wind protection glasses, which are used in the absence of bright light.

  • 1 category orCat.1 transmits from 80 to 43% of light.

These are glasses with light lenses for cloudy weather, for wearing in the city in weak sun, for use as an accessory.

  • 2nd category orCat.2 transmits from 43 to 18% of light.

These glasses are medium in darkness and should be used in partly cloudy weather, in moderately bright sunny weather, and are suitable for driving.

  • 3 category orCat.3 transmits from 18 to 8% of light.

Strongly darkened glasses that protect from bright light, including sunlight. Suitable for drivers.

  • 4th category orCat.4 transmits from 8 to 3% of light.

The darkest lenses in these glasses allow them to be used in conditions of blinding light (from the sun, snow, water): at sea, in the mountains, in snowy regions, etc. Not recommended for driving as they may make it difficult to determine traffic light colors.

There are also glasses that transmit less than 3% of light - these are special glasses, for example, welding or arctic glasses. They do not belong to any category, are created for special conditions and are not sold in regular optics.

The degree of darkness is the reciprocal of the light transmission category. That is, if the glasses transmit 30% of the light, then they are 70% darkened. And vice versa. It is important to keep in mind that the degree of darkness of the lens does not automatically protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation! Even completely transparent ones from category 0 can have a UV filter. And vice versa: dark lenses in glasses, but transmit UV rays.

In our salons, most sunglasses fall into category 3. There are also category 1 club glasses with glasses of different colors: yellow, pink, blue.


WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXPENSIVE SUNGLASSES AND CHEAP ANALOGUES?

Today's technologies make it possible to provide the proper degree of eye protection even in very inexpensive sunglasses. In this case, what explains the price difference?

  1. Brand

    ​ Opticians and online stores sell glasses of those brands and brands with which they have contracts (from mass market (brands that the majority can afford) to premium class (high price category). The more famous and popular the brand, the higher maybe its price.

  2. Materials

    High-quality, reliable, natural, rare, hypoallergenic or simply difficult-to-process materials are more expensive. Designer and decorated glasses also tend to be more expensive than others.

  3. Optics quality

    Good glasses will not have even microscopic and invisible gaps, nicks, cracks and other defects that can significantly reduce the service life of the product, affect its appearance or even cause harm to health. Additional checks and quality control require corresponding costs, which add “weight” to the final price of the product.


WILL CHEAP SUNGLASSES HARM YOUR EYES?

And now the main question that follows from all of the above - can inexpensive sunglasses bought, say, in an underground passage, ruin your eyesight?

ANSWER: The main thing is not where and for how much you buy sunglasses, but what materials they are made of, how reliably and efficiently they are processed, whether they have the qualities necessary for your needs - the required category of light transmission, degree of darkness, and, of course, whether they protect against ultraviolet.

The chief doctor of the Ochkarik chain of optical salons comments on this: “Modern theories of the influence of ultraviolet radiation on vision suggest that ultraviolet radiation provokes the development of cataracts (clouding of the lens) and some diseases of the retina.

High-quality sunglasses can have very dark lenses, but do not have UV protection, that is, they allow harmful radiation into the eye. And it's even worse than if you didn't wear sunglasses at all. Physiologically, in bright light, the pupil narrows, the eye squints, thereby preventing the passage of ultraviolet radiation. And in sunglasses, the pupil is wide, you don’t squint, and meanwhile ultraviolet rays penetrate the eye and gradually cause damage to it, if the glasses don’t have UV400.”

With cheap glasses there is a higher risk that the processing of the materials, primarily the lens itself, will be insufficient (a poorly processed edge may crumble!). That is, microscopic crumbs and particles of materials can get into the eye, and this is dangerous. Frames made from questionable materials will not only not last long, but can also cause allergies or skin irritation.

We are not saying that absolutely all cheap glasses are bad. However, in those places of sale where they cannot demonstrate quality certificates to you, in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, or guarantee their availability, you always take a risk.

SO WHAT ARE THE BEST SUNGLASSES?

There are no best or worst - there are those that are suitable or not suitable for a certain situation. If you plan to be under the scorching sun for a long time and in bright light, for example, at sea or snowboarding, then you need glasses with maximum protection “on all fronts” - both from UV and with maximum darkening. If glasses are needed for a photo shoot or a party, the option of simple glasses is certainly acceptable.

However, we are given one vision for the rest of our lives. We perceive the world primarily with our eyes. We get the most vivid impressions from what we see. And is it worth saving on this... Only you can decide.

By the way, in the Ochkarik optics salons you can check the degree of ultraviolet protection of your glasses, absolutely any glasses - even if you bought them a long time ago and not from us. We really care about our customers, so we do UV testing for free for absolutely everyone!

Come to us and see everything for yourself!

The lenses in Polaroid and INVU glasses are labeled UV-400 or 100% UV-Protection, guaranteeing 100% UV protection. Let's tell you in more detail how it works.

Ultraviolet radiation poses a danger to human eyes: UVA waves are responsible for premature aging of the eyes, UVB can cause irritation of the cornea, UVC are carcinogenic and can damage cell membranes and cause mutations.

The effects of ultraviolet radiation on the eyes are most often cumulative. If you neglect to protect your eyes from harmful radiation for many years, this significantly increases the risk of cataracts and cancer. But there are circumstances in which exposure to ultraviolet light in a matter of days or even hours affects the health of the eyes. For example, many of you have heard about such a disease as “snow blindness” - this is a burn injury to the eye, which often develops in people exposed to ultraviolet radiation reflected from the snow surface - skiers, climbers, polar explorers, winter fishing enthusiasts, etc.

The easiest way to protect your eyes from UV rays is to wear quality sunglasses. But how not to make a mistake when choosing them?

Myths about UV protection glasses:

1. Sunglasses with clear lenses do not protect your eyes.

This is wrong. Untinted glasses can also be excellent eye protection. The fact is that ultraviolet protection is provided by additional coatings or layers in the lens body. And the darkening layer is only responsible for reducing the brightness of the light.

2. D Even non-brand glasses do not protect against ultraviolet radiation.

Let's be honest, numerous professional and amateur tests, publications about which can be found both on the Internet and in various media, have shown that, most often, both Chinese fakes "from the transition" and branded glasses cope equally with ultraviolet protection from official stores.

Does it make sense in this case to buy more expensive sunglasses? This is everyone's personal choice. Obviously, buying items of dubious manufacture is always a risk. Thus, with low-quality sunglasses, there is a risk that their lenses may not have UV protection, or it may be provided by a coating that will quickly wear off during use. In addition, such glasses will be significantly inferior to branded ones in many other respects.

3. Glass lenses protect your eyes better than plastic ones

This really was true, but many decades ago. Thanks to modern technologies, high-quality plastic lenses are not inferior to glass ones in terms of UV protection. Let's say more - modern plastic lenses are much better than glass ones if we evaluate them from the point of view of convenience, durability and safety. Glass lenses are quite heavy in weight and are very easy to break with the slightest impact, and the fragments from them can injure you. Plastic makes it possible to produce the thinnest, almost weightless lenses with various inclusions to protect against ultraviolet radiation, eliminate glare, increase the strength of lenses and protect them from scratches.

Read the label: UV-400

A proven brand and the inscription on the label “UV-400” guarantee 100% eye protection from ultraviolet radiation. You can also find the spelling 100% UV-Protection or 100% UV protection. This means that the lenses provide eye protection from all ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of less than 400 nm - that is, from UVA, UVB and UVС rays.

There is also a standard "UV-380" - the presence of this marking means that the lenses block light waves with a length of less than 380 nm. According to most experts, glasses labeled UV-380 provide only 90% eye protection from harmful influences, and only a few experts are inclined to claim that this degree of protection is sufficient for eye health.

Visible radiation - electromagnetic waves perceived by the human eye, are approximately in the wavelength range from 380 (violet) to 780 nm (red). What is to the right of the visible spectrum, i.e. with a wavelength of more than 780 nm is infrared (IR) radiation, invisible to humans. To the left, i.e. with a wavelength from 250 to 400 nm, there is that part of the spectrum invisible to humans that interests us today - ultraviolet (UV). Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) affects the eyes, skin and immunity. In ordinary life, direct sunlight does not reach the eyes, especially when the sun is at its zenith, but due to reflections from surfaces, it is estimated that 10-30% of the radiation (depending on external conditions) that reaches the earth's surface ends up in the eyes. In the case of paragliders, when pilots have to raise their heads towards the sun, direct rays also hit them. For winter sports (skis, snowboarding, kite, etc.), as well as for water activities (kite, surfing, beaching, etc.), the amount of reflected radiation entering the eye is greater than average.

Based on wavelength, UV radiation is divided into 3 components: UVA, UVB and UVC. The shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous the radiation. UVC, the shortest wavelength and most dangerous range of ultraviolet radiation, fortunately does not reach the earth's surface thanks to the ozone layer. UVB – radiation in the range of 280-315 nm. Approximately 90% of UVB is absorbed by ozone, as well as water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide as sunlight passes through the atmosphere before reaching the earth's surface. UVB in small doses causes a tan, in large doses it burns and increases the chances of skin cancer. Excessive exposure of the eyes to UVB rays causes photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva, which can lead to temporary loss of vision (severe photokeratitis is often called “snow blindness”). The risk of photokeratitis increases at high altitudes, as well as in snow, if you do not protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.Note that the impact of ultraviolet radiation in the UVB range is limited to the surface of the eye; these ultraviolet rays practically do not penetrate into the eye.

Ultraviolet radiation in the UVA range (315-400 nm) is close to the visible spectrum, and in the same doses is less dangerous than UVB radiation. But these ultraviolet rays, unlike UVB, penetrate deeper into the eye, damaging the lens and retina. Exposure of the eyes to UVA over the long term increases the risk of a number of dangerous eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration, which is considered the leading cause of blindness in old age. Well, let’s mention the part of the visible spectrum corresponding to the blue rays of the visible spectrum, about 400 -450 nm, (HEV “high-energy visible light”), which are directly adjacent to the long-wave part of the UV range. Long-term exposure to these high-energy visible rays is also thought to be harmful to the eyes because they penetrate deep into the eye and affect the retina.

The damaging effect of ultraviolet rays on the eyes depends on a number of factors:

  • Duration of stay outdoors
  • Geographic latitude of the location. The most dangerous zone is the equatorial zone
  • Height above sea level. The higher, the more dangerous
  • Time of day. The most dangerous time is from 10-11 a.m. to 2-4 p.m.
  • Large surfaces of water and snow that highly reflect the sun's rays

Thus, constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the eyes has a harmful effect on the surface of the eye and its internal structures. Moreover, the negative effects have the ability to accumulate: the longer the eyes are exposed to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, the higher the risk of developing pathologies of the eye structures and age-related diseases of the organ of vision.

Sunglasses are one way to limit the amount of harmful radiation reaching your eyes. Because the doses of ultraviolet radiation received over a lifetime accumulate, increasing the risk of eye disease, it is recommended to regularly wear sunglasses outdoors.

Measurements and results

Lens characteristics and concepts that we will need when analyzing tests and measurements: Optical density. This is the decimal logarithm of the ratio of the intensity of the incident radiation to the transmitted radiation. D=lg⁡(Ii/Io) That is if the optical density of the lens is 2, then it reduces the radiation intensity by 100 times, blocking 99% of the incident radiation. If D=3, then the lens blocks 99.9% of the radiation. In addition, sunglasses lenses are divided by transparency (for the visible spectrum):

  • Transparent F0, 100 - 80% light transmission used in twilight or at night, sports and safety glasses against snow and wind;
  • Light F1, 80 - 43% light transmission, glasses for cloudy weather;
  • Medium F2, 43 - 18% light transmission, used in partly cloudy weather;
  • Strong F3, 18 - 8% light transmittance, for protection from bright daylight;
  • Maximum strength F4, 8 - 3% light transmission, for maximum protection in high altitude conditions, at ski resorts, in the snowy Arctic in summer. Not intended for driving a car.

For measurements we have a spectrophotometer:

We selected several glasses and lenses from different manufacturers at completely different prices. The cost of glasses ranged from 1 to 160 Euros (70 -11,000 rubles). So, let's start from expensive to cheap: The first 2 lenses are GloryFy, brown F2 and gray F4. Glasses of this brand with such lenses cost approximately 11,000 rubles.

Transmission graph in %, i.e. what percentage is the intensity of the transmitted radiation from the incident one:

Red shows the transmission of the brown F2 lens, and blue shows the transmission of the gray F4 lens. As can be seen from the graphs, both lenses cut all ultraviolet light well. In addition, it is clear that the brown F2 lens cuts the blue part of the spectrum much better, the gray F4 is essentially neutral (i.e. does not distort colors) and, being darker (F4 versus F2 for the brown one), darkens more strongly throughout the entire spectrum. To more accurately assess how well ultraviolet radiation is blocked, here is a graph of the optical density for these lenses:

the red line is for the brown lens F2, and the blue line is for the gray lens F4

It can be seen that the optical density is greater than 2.5 over the entire ultraviolet range, i.e. More than 99% of ultraviolet light incident on the lens is blocked. To clarify, I will give the values ​​for these lenses for a wavelength of 400 nm. Optical density for gray F4 D=3.2, for brown F2 D=3.4. Or the transmittance from the incident radiation for gray F4 is 0.06%, and for brown F2 it is 0.04%.

Go ahead. Here we present graphs of transmittance and optical density for glasses of an average price category: Smith and Tifosi - both lenses are gray, dark. The cost of glasses is about 4000-6000 rubles. And cheap glasses costing about 700 rubles - 3M and Finney - both lenses are also neutral, i.e. gray, dark. For starters, the transparency for all these mentioned lenses

From the graphs it can be seen that all lenses are category F3. In addition, it is noticeable that lenses of cheap glasses (3M and Finney) cut near ultraviolet, UVA in the range of 385-400 nm worse. Now for all these 4 points we give the transmittance value at a wavelength of 400 nm:

  • Smith T=0.002%
  • Tifosi T=0.012%
  • Finney T=5.4%
  • 3M T=9.4% and optical density at the same wavelength:
  • Smith D=4.8
  • Tifosi D=3.9
  • Finney D=1.26
  • 3M D=1.02

It is clearly visible that cheap 3M and Finney glasses do not meet the UV400 protection requirements. They begin to protect normally from wavelengths of 385 nm and below.

But we have the cheapest glasses, unbranded (Auchan glasses). Cost 70 rubles or 1 euro. The lens is yellow, the transmission seems to be F1 category. Transparency:

Optical density:

For a wavelength of 400 nm, the transmittance was 0.24% and the optical density was 2.62. This lens meets the UV400 requirement.

Conclusions:

It is clear that cheap glasses do not have a stable quality of protection: 2 out of 3 samples were not satisfactory. Branded glasses of the upper and middle price categories did a good job of protecting against ultraviolet radiation. In addition, when we talk about protection from ultraviolet radiation with glasses, we should take into account that light can also penetrate from the side of the frame, so, of course, glasses that cover the entire field of view and do not allow light to enter the eyes past the lenses of the glasses are better protected. And of course, when choosing glasses, you should consider how comfortable they sit on your face, because you have to wear them for hours. For people involved in active sports and frequent travelers, it is important how durable the glasses are: it’s unpleasant to find fragments in your backpack at the right time instead of glasses.

In the summer we spend more time outdoors, at the same time wearing less clothing, the skin comes into more contact with solar radiation, which increases the risk of skin damage. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin is the main cause of the development of malignant skin tumors, the most malignant of which is melanoma. Over the past 10 years, the incidence of melanoma in Russia has increased from 4.5 to 6.1 per 100 thousand population. Every year this tumor affects 8-9 thousand Russians.

It is not always possible to prevent melanoma, but we can significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease.

Protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation is necessary not only during a beach holiday. Protection is necessary in all situations where you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during peak sun hours (10am to 4pm), such as gardening, boating, sports, fishing, hiking, mowing the lawn , walks around the city and in parks, cycling.

Protection from ultraviolet radiation.

A direct connection has been proven between exposure to solar radiation and the incidence of malignant neoplasms, including melanoma. Now it is possible to accurately assess the intensity of solar radiation and the danger of its damaging effects on the skin in a certain place at a certain time. To do this, they focus on the values ​​of the UV index (ultraviolet radiation index), which has values ​​on a scale from 1 to 11+ and shows the strength of UV radiation in a particular place. The higher the UV index, the greater the likelihood of sunburn, skin damage and, ultimately, the appearance of various malignant skin tumors.

  • Skin protection with clothing.

If you plan to be in the open sun for a long time, protect your skin with clothing. There is a common misconception that any clothing reliably protects the skin from contact with ultraviolet radiation. However, it is not; It is important to pay attention both to the style of the clothing itself and to the characteristics of the fabric from which it is made.

Choose clothes that cover your body as much as possible: ankle-length trousers and skirts, T-shirts and blouses with long sleeves.

Dyed, especially with natural pigments (green, brown, beige), or dark clothes protect better from sunlight than white ones, however, they heat up more, increasing the heat load on the body. Double-layer materials double their protective properties. Clothes made of thick fabric are preferred.

Fabrics made from cotton, linen, and hemp block ultraviolet light well, but fabrics made from natural silk do not protect from solar radiation. Polyester blocks ultraviolet radiation as much as possible.

Protect your scalp by wearing a hat (hat, headscarf). Remember to protect the skin of your ears; they will be protected by the shade of a wide-brimmed hat. The skin of the neck especially needs protection; it is the least protected area of ​​the body; choose clothes with a collar that can be raised, or tie a scarf or headscarf around your neck.

Remember that clothing cannot provide 100% protection; if light is visible through the fabric, it means it is transmitting UV.

  • Use of sunscreens for external use.

Use sunscreen products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. It is a fairly common belief that you should only use sunscreen on the beach. However, the sun affects us all year round, and during the period of increased seasonal activity, the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation are no less in the city than on the beach.

During hours of maximum solar activity from 10.00 to 16.00, all exposed skin must be protected by applying sunscreen. On the beach - on the whole body, in the city or on a walk - on the face, lips, ears, neck, hands. Most people use sunscreen incorrectly, using it too sparingly. The recommended amount of sunscreen per unit of skin surface is 2 mg of SPF per 1 cm of skin. For a single application of sunscreen to the skin of an adult, at least 30 ml of product is required.

Apply the protectant even on cloudy days when the sun is hidden behind the clouds, as cloudiness does not prevent the penetration of UV radiation.

Before applying sunscreen, be sure to read the included instructions, which indicate how often you should reapply it. On average, it is necessary to repeat the skin treatment every 2 hours of exposure to the sun. Many products are not moisture resistant and require reapplication after each immersion in water; increased sweating can also shorten the time of effective protection. Many fans of beach holidays find a certain pleasure in extremely long passive exposure to the sun; they diligently “sunbathe” for hours, in full confidence that they are benefiting their body and “getting healthier.” This very dangerous practice is especially loved by middle-aged and elderly people. Such vacationers should remember that even the proper use of sunscreen does not guarantee absolute protection of the skin from damage; the time spent in the open sun should be strictly limited (no more than 2 hours).

  • Staying in the shade during active sun hours.

Limiting prolonged exposure to the sun is another way to avoid harmful UV exposure. This is especially true in the middle of the day, from 10.00 and 16.00, when UV radiation is overly active. A simple test helps to understand the intensity of solar radiation: if a person’s shadow is shorter than the person’s height, then the sun is active, and protective measures must be taken. Being in the shade of a beach umbrella is not complete protection, since up to 84% of ultraviolet rays are reflected from the sand and easily reach the skin.

  • Using sunglasses.

While paying attention to protecting your skin, don't forget about your eyes. Melanoma of the eyes is no less common than melanoma of the skin. The risk of its development can only be reduced by using special sunglasses. It is better to use large-diameter glasses, the lenses of which block at least 98% of ultraviolet rays. Buy glasses from specialized optical stores, make sure that their lenses absorb UV at a wavelength of up to 400 nm, which means that the glasses block at least 98% of UV rays. Without such instructions on the label, the glasses will most likely not provide sufficient eye protection.

By protecting yourself from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, you prolong your life.