Is it proven that UV light causes cataracts?
Do sunglasses block UV light?
My optometrist says I’m developing cataracts. I hike in the high desert Southwest every morning for 2 hours without sunglasses. Is this causing the cataracts? Possibly contributing to cataracts? Not significantly contributing?
What about driving without sunglasses? Does the windshield and windows block UV light?
Thanks,
J.
As far as I understand it, wear sunglasses. I don’t know if cataracts are caused by UV, but macular degeneration is, and it isn’t something that can be repaired with surgery.
Only the cheapest sunglasses wouldn’t block UV. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was now a law that all sunglasses must block UV.
I thought I was just being weird about looking forward to cataracts, but I felt vindicated when my new eye doctor examined me and said, “I’m sorry, you don’t have cataracts yet.” I am so incredibly myopic that I am looking forward to intra-ocular implants to replace contact lenses. The secretary at my school feels the same way: she wears the strongest possible contact lenses and eyeglasses.
I do wonder about driving without sunglasses. I wouldn’t dream of it, even if the windshield blocked UV, because I never go out without sunglasses. I have blue-blocker night driving glasses, too. Oncoming headlights really bother me.