You should change glasses from the sun more often than you think

Even if you love your sunglasses, there is a chance that you need a new pair. It turns out that the level of protection of sunglasses from ultraviolet rays decreases as you use, but the tests that are being carried out are not enough to determine exactly how long it is possible to wear one pair of sunglasses. All this information became available after an extensive study in Brazil.

Reducing the level of protection over time

Most Brazilians wear the same sunglasses every day for two years, but it has not been scientifically proven that the lenses maintain the same level of protection with such exposure to ultraviolet radiation. What was discovered during the research in Brazil, can also be relevant for other countries in the world. At the moment, there is no specific recommendation as to when it is the person who needs to change sunglasses. And eye protection from ultraviolet radiation is very important around the world, as this radiation can lead to cataracts, damage to the retina, and other eye problems, including complete loss of vision.

A new study in Brazil

The new study concentrates on the Brazilian system of classification of sunglasses in accordance with the darkening of glasses and the proposed level of protection against ultraviolet radiation. To fall into one of these categories, sunglasses must pass a test in which they are exposed to a 450-watt lamp simulating the light of the sun, for fifty hours at a distance of thirty centimeters. This equates to two days of full direct exposure to sunlight. However, because of the proximity of Brazil to the equator, the sun in this country is more hot than in most other countries. A previous study found that Brazilians on average wear sunglasses for two hours each day for two years. So tests that will be carried out to test sunglasses should also take into account such information.

Changes in the testing process

To represent the average consumer throughout the country, you need to change both the duration of the simulator of the sun, and the distance between it and the glasses being tested. Time should be increased to 135 hours, and the distance should be reduced to five centimeters. These calculations are suitable for Brazil, but they can also be useful for checking points in other countries with similar latitude coordinates.

Further actions

It is still too early to confirm that the level of protection against ultraviolet rays in sunglasses is gradually decreasing. If a test that is conducted using a simulator of the sun will not be revised, there will be no way to ensure that the level of protection will not change with time. Also, researchers report that, along with the level of protection against ultraviolet rays over time, sunglasses begin to lose their strength. Although the same standards are not used in other countries of the world, the study expresses several very important points that must be taken into account in all countries of the world.

Lack of specifics

Now researchers suggest that the approach to testing, which is used in this industry, may not be quite adequate. But at the moment no action is taken on this matter. People may not be aware of many aspects that happen as time progresses, so that until there are no official recommendations on this matter, you should take the situation in your hands and go in search of a new pair of points if the pair you are now Wear, you have been using for at least two years. If you are interested in whether the glasses you are wearing are still safe, you can contact the sellers of such products. Many of them can conduct a test for you, which will help you to know the current level of protection against ultraviolet rays of your glasses.

Choose only quality glasses

And while nothing concrete is known, buyers can secure themselves first of all by purchasing high quality glasses. You should buy only those glasses that are marked with the text "100% protection from UV" or "UV400". In the United States of America, for example, a large number of sunglasses offer this necessary level of protection. However, do not rely on statistics, it's best to check everything yourself. Surveys show that almost half of people who buy sunglasses do not have a clue about what these marks are and what they mean. Do not pay attention to such parameters as price, polarization, the color of the glasses and their dimming, since none of these parameters does not affect the protection from ultraviolet radiation.