UV is also called ultraviolet ray, it is the high-energy radiation from the sun.

There are three categories of invisible high-energy UV rays:
• UVC rays. These are the highest-energy UV rays and potentially could be the most harmful to your eyes and skin. Fortunately, the atmosphere’s ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC rays. But this also means depletion of the ozone layer potentially could allow high-energy UVC rays to reach the earth’s surface and cause serious UV-related health problems.
• UVB rays. These have slightly longer wavelengths (280–315 nm) and lower energy than UVC rays. These rays are filtered partially by the ozone layer, but some still reach the earth’s surface. In low doses, UVB radiation stimulates the production of melanin (a skin pigment), causing the skin to darken, creating a suntan. But in higher doses, UVB rays cause sunburn that increases the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays also cause skin discolorations, wrinkles and other signs of premature aging of the skin.
• UVA rays. These are closer to visible light rays and have lower energy than UVB and UVC rays. But UVA rays can pass through the cornea and reach the lens and retina inside the eye. Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of certain types of cataracts, and research suggests UVA rays may play a role in development of macular degeneration.

To protect your eyes outdoors, wear broad-brimmed hats and wraparound sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.

Various eye problems have been associated with overexposure to UV radiation and can make a person lost sight or cause corneal problems as well as distorted vision (more sunglasses …)

Children may not be as interested as adults are in the fashion aspect of Sunglasses. But because kids spend much more time than most adults outdoors and in direct sunlight, UV protection for the eyes is extra important.

In fact, many experts believe our eyes get 80 percent of their total lifetime exposure to the sun’s UV rays by age 18. And since excessive lifetime exposure to UV radiation has been linked to the development of cataracts and other eye problems, it’s never too early for kids to begin wearing good quality sunglasses outdoors.

As long as the glasses lenses are clearly marked as capable of providing 100 percent UV protection, your children can pick any lens color and shade they like.

Sunglass Styles for Kids
The colorful, adolescent styles are still available, but sunglass companies have found a niche in appealing to children’s desire to look like their parents or older siblings. (more sunglasses …)