uvex urges employers to prioritise UV Protection for eye health
As the warmer months approach and attention turns to protecting skin from harmful UV rays, uvex is reminding employers, outdoor workers, and health & safety professionals not to overlook one critical area: the eyes.
While many associate UV risks with sunburn and skin damage, prolonged UV exposure can pose serious, irreversible threats to eye health. Without adequate protection, workers may face long-term conditions including:
- Cataracts– a leading cause of vision impairment globally
- Macular degeneration– irreversible damage to the central retina
- Photokeratitis(corneal sunburn) – painful, temporary damage caused by intense UV exposure
Safety eyewear does more than prevent impact injuries, it can also act as an invisible barrier against damaging UV rays. However, not all UV protection is created equal.
While most polycarbonate safety lenses block UV rays up to 380 nanometres (nm), this standard level falls short when it comes to full protection. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends UV protection up to 400 nm, which includes both UVB and deeper-penetrating UVA rays—key contributors to long-term eye diseases.
All uvex polycarbonate lenses, whether clear or tinted, feature UV400 technology, extending protection to the full 400 nm spectrum. This ensures 100% filtration of both UVA and UVB rays, providing comprehensive defense in line with global health recommendations.
“Many people apply sunscreen before heading outdoors but forget that the delicate skin around the eyes —and the eyes themselves—are left exposed. Unlike skin, we don’t tend to apply SPF on our eyelids or eyeballs. That’s where uvex safety eyewear steps in.”
Clair Weston, head of marketing at uvex
Stay aware: UV exposure is a year-round risk
UV levels fluctuate not just by season, but by time of day and cloud cover. Contrary to popular belief, UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, meaning the risk of exposure remains even on overcast days. Employers should encourage year-round vigilance and use UV-indexed weather forecasts to guide outdoor safety planning.
A call to action for employers and outdoor workers
As you plan your summer safety strategies, don’t forget to protect your team’s vision. Make UV protection part of your daily PPE routine—not just for impact hazards, but for invisible, long-term threats as well.
For more information about uvex UV400 safety eyewear and how to integrate eye protection into your UV safety plan, click here
