The sun and our eyes

Training on the dangers of sunlight and protection of our ocular system

www.julbo-eyewear.com

SUMMARY

1. Introduction

2. The eye

3. Sunlight and potential hazards

4. Protection against sunlight

5. Children’s eyes

Sunlight is vital for all of us. However, our eyes are very sensitive to it and it is essential to protect them properly.

A specialist in solar protection in high-risk environments and extreme conditions, Julbo has been providing its expertise to people who love to look at the world for over 120 years. Julbo develops its frames and lenses through a combination of innovation and careful attention to detail.

This presentation contains essential information on the dangers of sunlight and how to protect against it. Because your eyes are unique and the world needs your vision.

2. THE EYE

The eye is an optical system consisting of a crystalline lens, transparent media and a screen (the retina).

Cornea : outer covering of the

eye. It is the first filter of UV

rays.

Crystalline lens: the lens

through which light enters the

eye. 100% impermeable to UVA

and UVB in adults.

Retina: the screen which the

image is projected on

2 // Eyes diseases

Damaged cells in the eyes are replaced over time...... but the replacement process becomes less effective, resulting in serious or even irreversible diseases:

Ophtalmia (snow blindness): inflammation of the cornea –sensation of «grains of sand» under the eyelid, vision problems.

Conjunctivitis Long-term problems: Cataracts, retinopathy, age-related

macular degeneration (AMD), etc.

3. Sunlight and potential hazards

The sun emits visible and invisible electromagnetic waves of differentlengths

*nm = nanometer1 nm = 1 millionthof a millimeter

Ultraviolet Light Visible Light Infrared Light

3 // Invisible light

Infrared light (IR): 780 -1000 (nm)These low-energy invisible rays are not directly harmful but they do produce heat. They heat the eye tissue.

Infrared light reduces the protective effect of tears.

HAZARDS

Burning of the eye through prolonged exposure is increased at high altitude as humidity levels are low.

3 // Invisible light

Ultraviolet light (UV): 200 -380 (nm)high-energy rays are very harmful. They even have an effect in cloudy weather. Clouds absorb no more than 10% of UV rays.

HAZARDS

Molecular breakdown Corneal opacification Cataracts: clouding of the

crystalline lens Snow blindness

UVA : 315 - 380 (nm)Moderately harmful. They cause light pigmentation of the skin.

UVB : 280 - 355 (nm)Extremely harmful (1000 times more aggressive than UVA), they result in tanningand premature ageing of theeye and skin.

UVC : 100 - 280 (nm)These rays are absorbed bythe ozone layer.

In the mountains, the intensity of UV rays increases by 10% for every1000 metres of altitude.

3 // Visible light

This is what the human eye can see (colours of the rainbow)

The sun’s light is emitted in different ways:- direct radiation,- diffuse radiation (by the atmosphere): 6% more than directradiation- reflected radiation (by the ground): between 4% and 90% of

light is reflected depending on the type of ground it hits.

Surface glare can strongly increase light intensity:- snow reflects up to 90% of the sun’s rays,- water reflects up to 20% of the sun’s rays,- sand reflects up to 30% of the sun’s rays.

HAZARDS

Dazzle, fatigue Hinders and temporarily reduces visual capability.

4. PROTECTION AGAINST SUNLIGHT

Sunlight filters must comply with European standard EN1836, and more specifically:

block 100% of UV radiation, prevent glare from visible light, have sufficient mechanical resistance (impact test), be of sufficient optical quality (optical class 1 or 2).

Category Application Transmission

0 Comfort 80 to 100%

1 Low light levels 43 to 80%

2 Average light levels 18 to 43%

3 Strong light levels 8 to 18%

4* Exception allight levels 3 to 8%

* Not permitted for vehicle driving

4 // Sunlight filters: materials

Material Refractive index

Production ABBE Number

Density Resistance Surface Finish

Mineral lens

1,5-1,8 Cast 42-59 ~ 2,5 + +

CR38 1,50 Cast 58 1,3 -- -

MR8 1,60 Cast 42 1,3 - ++

PC 1,59 Injected 32 1,2 + +

NXT 1,53 Cast 45 1,1 ++ -

4 // Sunlight filters: colors

Different lens colors are particularly suitablefor specific environments or sports.

Green:Increases contrast for certain sports (golf, hunting)

Yellow/Brown:Increases contrast in most natural environmentsFilters out blue light (the most harmful part of the spectrum)

Grey:Colors look naturalDetail of terrain is visible

Red:Increases contrast in most natural environments

Copper or pink:Increases contrast for drivingSoftens vision

4 // Sunlight filters: surface coatings

Coatings applied to the inside and/or outside of lenses are used to enhance their properties.

Types of coating:

mirror: increases the filtration rate of the lens and makes the eyes less visible,

anti-reflective: prevents glare from rays reflected by the inside of the lens,

anti-fog coating: prevents condensation,

Oil-repellent/Water-repellent: facilitates the dispersal of liquids and the removal of grease deposited on the lens (fingermarks, skin or hair grease, creams, etc.)

4 // Sunlight filters: polarization

When light rays hit a flat surface (car windscreen, water, snow, asphalt, etc.) they spread out in all directions.

A polarized lens:

Reduces glare by cutting out light rays reflecting on a flat/horizontal surface (water, snow, windscreen, etc.).

Enhances colours and improves contrast and relief.

The polarizing coating is applied in the form of a «sandwich» filter or on the lens surface.

Polarizing lens

5. CHILDREN’S EYES

Children’s visual health is vitally important. They should be protected from the irreversible damage that the sun can cause: The crystalline lens in children is permeable to UVA, only becoming

impermeable in adulthood. Damage caused in childhood is cumulative and contributes to disease in

adulthood. Choosing the right sunglasses for your child is essential for preserving their visual health. More information and advice in our educational document "The dangers of the sun for children's eyes"

Julbo EuropeRue Lacuzon

39400 Longchaumois - FranceTel.: +33 (0)3.84.34.14.14

info@julbo.fr

www.julbo-eyewear.com

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Julbo USA296 Avenue D, Ste 10

Williston, VT 05495 - USAPhone: 802-651-0833

info@julbousa.com

www.julbousa.com