Effects Of UV on the eye

"Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is commonly divided into two components: UV-A (320 to 400 nanometers) which causes tanning and is thought to contribute to ageing of the skin and skin cancer, and UV-B (280 to 320 nanometers) which can cause sunburn and skin cancer.

Clinical experience and evidence from accidents and experimental studies show that UV-B is more damaging, presumably because it has higher energy. Most of the UV-B is absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye (FRONT PART OF THE EYE); therefore it can cause damage to these tissues but will not normally damage the retina (BACK OF THE EYE). However, the retina can be damaged if exposed to UV-B.

UV-A radiation has lower energy, but penetrates much deeper into the eye and may also cause injury. Sunlight contains much more UV-A than UV-B. Neither UV-A nor UV-B has been shown to be beneficial to the eye, and neither contributes to vision. Optimal sun protection should screen out both types of UV radiation."