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Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that comes mainly from the sun. It sits just beyond visible light on the spectrum, so it cannot be seen by the human eye. While small amounts of UV light are helpful, such as producing vitamin D, too much exposure can damage the skin and eyes. UV protection is important to reduce these harmful effects.
read more about ultraviolet light ...UV light is produced naturally by the sun, but it can also come from artificial sources like tanning beds and welding equipment. The earth's atmosphere blocks some of the most dangerous UV rays, but enough still reach the surface to cause harm. Seasonal changes, altitude, and geographic location all affect how much UV radiation people are exposed to. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through and reach the eyes and skin.
There are three main types of UV rays:
Ultraviolet light is invisible energy from the sun that can harm the cornea and lens over time. Protecting the eyes with UV-blocking lenses helps reduce risks of cataracts and surface damage.
Each of these terms connects to how the eyes work together to create clear and comfortable vision. Whether it involves light processing, visual coordination, or lens performance, understanding its role helps explain how different parts of the visual system support daily activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
To learn more about how the eyes function and the terms that shape your understanding of vision, explore the full Lens.com Glossary. It's a helpful resource for discovering how everyday eye health concepts relate to contact lenses and clear, comfortable sight.
Too much UV exposure can lead to both short-term and long-term eye problems. In the short term, it can cause photokeratitis, a painful condition similar to sunburn on the eye's surface. Long-term exposure is linked to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. Even a few minutes of strong, unprotected UV exposure can be harmful. Protecting the eyes with sunglasses or UV-blocking contact lenses lowers these risks.
Consult an eye care professional if you or your child experience both hearing loss and night vision difficulties. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms and slow vision-related changes.
Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to detect and manage eye diseases early. Many eye conditions develop gradually and may not show noticeable symptoms until they start affecting vision. Visiting an eye doctor routinely helps protect your eyesight and maintain good eye health over time.
Yes. UV rays can pass through clouds, so your eyes can still get exposure even when the sun does not look strong. Glare can also bounce off surfaces like water, sand, and pavement, which can raise UV exposure. Sunglasses with UV protection are still a smart choice on overcast days.
Yes. High UV exposure can cause photokeratitis, which is like a sunburn on the surface of the eye. It can lead to pain, tearing, redness, and a gritty feeling that starts hours after exposure. Snow, water, and bright midday sun raise the risk if you are not wearing eye protection.
Look for sunglasses labeled as blocking 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB, or labeled UV400. The lens color does not guarantee protection, so the UV label matters more than tint. A wraparound style can also help by reducing UV light that enters from the sides.
Not usually. Some contact lenses block UV, but they do not cover the entire eye area, including the whites of the eyes and eyelids. Sunglasses add protection for the full eye area and reduce glare, which can make outdoor vision more comfortable. Using both together can give stronger coverage during high-UV activities.
1. The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun. Accessed January 12, 2026.
2. Protecting your eyes from the sun's UV light. National Eye Institute (NIH). https://www.nei.nih.gov/research-and-training/research-news/protecting-your-eyes-suns-uv-light. Accessed January 12, 2026.
3. Ultraviolet Radiation | Radiation and Your Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/features/uv-radiation.html. Accessed January 12, 2026.
4. Facts About Ultraviolet Radiation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/ultraviolet-radiation.html. Accessed January 12, 2026.
5. Photokeratitis: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15763-photokeratitis. Accessed January 12, 2026.
6. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure. Accessed January 12, 2026.
7. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/ultraviolet-uv-radiation. Accessed January 12, 2026.
8. Ultraviolet (UV) protection. American Optometric Association. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/uv-protection. Accessed January 12, 2026.