Ray-Ban's Hidden Soldiers: Protection from Ultraviolet

The primary task of any sunglasses is built into their very name — protection, not so much from visible light, but from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which is the focus of this article.

Ultraviolet radiation occupies the spectrum range between visible light and infrared rays and is electromagnetic. Its name has Latin roots: ultra — beyond, violet — purple.

Factual Background

The first mention of ultraviolet radiation can be found in a work by a 13th-century Indian philosopher, where he describes a region with a high presence of certain purple rays visible to the naked eye.

Scientific study of ultraviolet began after the discovery of infrared rays. In 1801, Johann Wilhelm Ritter began searching the spectrum's opposite end from X-rays. Like many scientists after him, he concluded that light consists of three components: illuminating (visible light), thermal (infrared), and restorative (ultraviolet).



The sun is the main natural source of ultraviolet rays, which have wavelengths ranging from 10 to 400 nm, each part corresponding to a type of radiation:

1. UVA — near ultraviolet with the longest waves, which fully reaches Earth.
2. UVB — medium ultraviolet with mid-range waves, reaching Earth in very small amounts (less than 10%).
3. UVC — far ultraviolet with short waves, almost 100% of which is absorbed by the ozone layer.

Thus, the ultraviolet radiation that reaches Earth consists of UVA and a portion of UVB. Despite the low content, mid-wave UVB rays are the most dangerous for the eyes, as excessive amounts can cause corneal burns, which act as a barrier to UV rays.

UVA rays are less dangerous, but since they can penetrate deeper into the eye, they negatively affect critical parts like the retina and lens.

The Invisible Enemy

The impact of ultraviolet radiation on the human body depends on many factors:

• Geographic latitude (most dangerous at the equator);
• Altitude (the higher, the more dangerous);
• Time spent in the sun;
• Time of day (the worst time is from 12 to 4 PM);
• The presence of reflective surfaces like water or snow;
• Almost any weather conditions (clouds don’t block ultraviolet);
• Use of certain medications that increase sensitivity to UV (tetracycline, diuretics, tranquilizers, etc.).



The main defense against UV radiation for the eyes is, of course, sunglasses. Ophthalmologists recommend choosing models that fit snugly against the face or have large lenses to reduce the amount of light entering the eye.

In addition to the design, UV filters are essential. Ray-Ban lenses provide 100% protection from harmful ultraviolet rays, regardless of the lens material.

Mineral glass, for example, naturally filters UV light, regardless of whether the lens is dark or almost clear. Polycarbonate lenses are manufactured with light-absorbing elements — UV absorbers and organic dyes.

WARNING!!! When it comes to UV filters, it’s essential to avoid counterfeit and low-quality sunglasses. This is especially true for models with plastic lenses: dark plastic reduces visible light, causing the pupil to dilate to let in more light. If the lens lacks a UV filter, your eyes are exposed to a severe burn.

In conclusion, what seems like a standard feature helps sunglasses perform a critical function every day — protecting our eyes (through which we receive 90% of information about the outside world) from harmful ultraviolet rays and the damage they can cause.

So always pay close attention to the presence and strength of UV filters and the quality of your sunglasses. For example, we offer only original Ray-Bans, all with 100% protection from invisible but no less treacherous UV rays!