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UVB rays (Ultraviolet B) are the medium wavelength of UV radiation, ranging from 280 to 315 nanometers (nm). These rays are higher energy and more biologically active than UVA rays, making them the primary cause of sunburn on the skin. In the eye, UVB rays are mostly absorbed by the cornea and do not penetrate as deeply as UVA rays.
read more about uvb rays ...Because the cornea absorbs the majority of UVB radiation, excessive, unprotected exposure can cause immediate and painful damage called photokeratitis. This condition is essentially a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva, often described as feeling like sand or grit is in the eye. While usually temporary, it can be extremely uncomfortable and requires medical treatment.
UVB intensity fluctuates significantly based on location, season, and time of day. The risk of UVB exposure is highest during the summer months, at high altitudes, and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When the sun is high, more UVB rays reach the Earth's surface. High-reflective surfaces, like snow and ice, can also bounce UVB rays directly into the eye, increasing exposure.
Like all UV protection, the shield against UVB rays is measured by the lens's ability to block light in the 280nm to 315nm range. A UV400 certification guarantees 100% blockage of UVB rays. All high-quality sunglasses and UV-blocking contact lenses must meet this standard to offer safe and reliable protection against immediate corneal damage.
Protecting your cornea from UVB rays is a daily requirement, especially when the sun is high. Lens.com helps you manage this risk by providing easy access to Class 1 and Class 2 UV-blocking contact lenses. We make sure you have a convenient, affordable way to shield your eyes from both immediate and long-term sun damage.
Do UVB rays pass through window glass?
No. Standard window glass effectively blocks most UVB rays. This is why you rarely get sunburned indoors. However, glass does not block UVA rays, which are the main concern for long-term damage.
Can UVB rays cause eye cancer?
Yes. Intense, prolonged UVB exposure has been linked to increasing the risk of certain cancers around the eyelids and on the surface of the eye, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Is photokeratitis the same as snow blindness?
Yes. Photokeratitis is the technical term for the corneal sunburn caused by intense UV exposure. It is commonly referred to as snow blindness when it occurs after prolonged exposure to the reflective glare of snow and ice.