HEV sunglasses protect against high-energy visible (HEV) rays, which can cause eye damage over time and lead to macular degeneration. HEV sunglasses with yellow lenses block out the entire HEV spectrum, while amber or melanin lenses offer better color perception. Children’s eyes are particularly susceptible to HEV and UV rays, so it’s important to choose sunglasses with 100% UV-A and UV-B protection. Price and lens darkness are not indicators of HEV protection, but an Eye Protection Factor (EPF) rating can reveal how much HEV light is blocked.
Most quality sunglasses these days block virtually all ultraviolet (UV) rays, but many researchers now believe that rays in the near-UV range can also cause eye damage over time. The near-UV range is called high-energy visible (HEV), because it includes visible blue/violet light. HEV sunglasses filter out a large part of this spectrum.
HEV damage is believed to be cumulative, appearing later in life in the form of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a condition of the retina that causes a loss of fine detail in vision. This is a chronic condition with no cure. Protecting your eyes from near ultraviolet light with HEV sunglasses can help prevent potential problems later. If the damage has already occurred, these sunglasses can minimize future exposure, lessening further damage.
The UV spectrum is divided into subcategories according to the wavelengths measured by nanometers (nm). A single nanometer is one billionth of a meter (3.3 feet). The HEV range includes wavelengths between 400 and 515 nm.
The specifications for HEV sunglasses state that they block near UV light, blue light, or HEV light. All three terms refer to the same thing. The specifications may also state a threshold, such as “blocks blue light at 450nm.”
HEV sunglasses with yellow tinted lenses block out the entire HEV spectrum, distorting color perception by removing blue entirely. This could be problematic for artists working outdoors, for example, or for people who are color blind who may have difficulty distinguishing the color of traffic lights. Also, many people simply prefer some blue light and find yellow lenses harsh. To get closer to true color perception, you may want to choose HEV sunglasses with amber or melanin lenses, the latter of which offers the best color perception among these types of sunglasses.
In addition to filtering out a good portion of blue light, HEV sunglasses must block 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays. The specifications may also mention UV-C rays, but this form of radiation does not penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere, so protection is somewhat moot.
Children’s eyes are particularly susceptible to HEV and UV rays, as the lens of the eye has not yet developed the natural protection that blocks at least some UV and HEV light. The ocean, sand, pools, sidewalks, and snowy landscapes reflect and intensify HEV and UV exposure. HEV sunglasses for kids with 100% UV-A and UV-B protection can protect a child’s eyes, potentially decreasing the chance of age-related eye diseases later on. Frames should fit snugly around the face in a wraparound style so that unfiltered sunlight cannot enter the eyes.
While there are quality brand HEV sunglasses available from companies like Oakley, Maui Jim, Uvex, and Revo, there are also many quality brands that do not offer HEV protection. Price is not an indicator, nor is the darkness of a lens. If the sunglasses block a significant portion of the HEV spectrum, this will be listed along with “100% UV Protection.” An Eye Protection Factor (EPF) rating will also reveal how much HEV light is blocked.
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