What is the primary purpose of UV protection in eyewear?

The primary purpose of UV protection in eyewear is to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. UV radiation from the sun can cause various eye problems, including cataracts, photokeratitis, and other serious conditions that can lead to vision impairment. Eyewear that offers UV protection helps to filter out these harmful rays, reducing the risk of long-term damage to the eyes.

While blocking visible light may be a feature of some lenses, the main concern with UV protection is specifically focused on preventing the detrimental effects of UV rays rather than merely blocking light. Enhancing color perception is related to lens tint and coatings, rather than UV protection, and providing better night vision typically involves specific lens characteristics designed for low-light conditions, which do not correlate with UV filtering. Thus, the most effective eyewear will include UV protection as an essential function to ensure overall eye health.