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Ultraviolet rays: how important is UVA and UVB protection?

Whether in summer or winter, with open sun or cloudy weather, we are constantly reminded of the importance of using sunscreen and sunglasses with protection against ultraviolet rays. But, after all, what will these rays cause so bad and what is the difference between them?

UVA rays

Thanks to its ability to surpass the clouds, this type of ray affects the whole year with the same intensity (considered average), independent of the season. UVA rays penetrate the deeper layers of the tissues, causing aging of the cells and favoring the onset of eye diseases.

UVB rays

High-intensity, they are more common during the summer and penetrate superficially in the tissues, increasing the chances of ocular tumors. As they are blocked by the clouds, they are not always present.

The dangers

Ultraviolet UVA and EVB rays have a special feature that makes them especially dangerous: the cumulative effect. In addition to skin cancer, which can also affect the eyelids, rays from the sun can also cause Photoceratitis, Cataract, Pterygium and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

It is important, therefore, to always buy and use sunglasses that have the filters against ultraviolet rays. It is worth remembering that these filters are not related to the color of the lenses of the glasses and that the polarized lenses do not necessarily provide adequate protection. Those who wear contact lenses may opt for products that already offer UVA and UVB protection.