Ok, there aren’t a heck of a lot of things that both parent and child can enjoy equally, but this is one of those rare exceptions. Bryan Shelton was kind enough to take me on a tour of the Rolling O Lab yesterday and I have to admit, it was pretty darn cool. Check out the video for an in-depth look at the science behind eye protection and if you are on holiday, round up the kids and head down to the Telus World of Science for a free tour through the 40-foot motor coach (which is parked to the right of the building). Bryan is a fantastic tour guide and will only be in Vancouver for one more day from 10 AM to 4 PM. After today, the O lab will be rolling outta town and heading back to the Oakley headquarters down in OC, California.

Technology presentations inside the Rolling O Lab include the use of optical laser scope equipment that demonstrates clarity and prism shift, ultraviolet emitters and measuring devices to illustrate UV protection, and testing rigs that show the effects of high-velocity and high-mass impact situations. The youngens will learn a thing or two about the health of their eyes and the parents will be stimulated by the technology.

According to a study, while 79% of people understand that UV rays can cause skin cancer, an overwhelming 94% are unaware that they can also have repercussions for the health of the eyes. UV rays emanating from the sun are an invisible form of damage that are present at all times of the year, causing damage that builds up over time and can result in a variety of afflictions. What’s more, reflections from the earth’s surface also compound the effects of UV that will actually reach the eyes, underscoring the need for eye protection at all times of the year.

The following percentages reflect what the eyes are exposed to when outdoors:

Snow: 85% of UV rays
Water: 20% of UV rays
Sand: 17% of UV rays
Earth and Grass: 5% of UV rays

You probably have a good idea what the sun’s rays can do to your skin…just imagine what they can do to your eyes, which are infinitely more sensitive. Eye damage linked to UV includes cataract, a condition where the eye lens becomes opaque, preventing light from getting through. UV is also linked to photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision), and macular degeneration (damage to the part of the inner eye that receives light patterns and transmits them to the brain).

Types of UV Rays:

UVA light causes premature aging of the skin and the eyes. Long-term exposure can greatly increase macular degeneration.

UVB rays are responsible for sun burns and skin cancer. They can also cause snow blindness and potentially lead to cataracts.

UVC rays are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth’s surface. In industrial and medical applications, UVC lamps are used to kill bacteria and purify air.

What to Consider When Selecting Sunglasses:

Frame:

The frame’s material should provide the best benefits for the sunglasses’ intended use. For example, sports sunglasses will usually have a lightweight polymer material with rubber compound at the template tips and/or the nose.

The curve of the frame – also known as the wrap and rake – can also create some added benefits, including better peripheral sun protection, better coverage for impact protection and better coverage against the wind.

Lens:

When it comes to lens material, bear in mind that glass is fragile and provides no UV protection on its own. Plastic can also shatter and offers no UV protection on its own. Polycarbonate is inherently lightweight and offers both impact and UV protection. In fact, it’s used in the windshields of space shuttles!

Light transmission, which involves how dark the lens is, plays a key part in determining the best use for a pair of sunglasses. What makes sense for everyday use may not make sense for outdoor athletes.

The lens colour, or tint, is more than just cosmetic – a finely-tuned lens with the proper transmission and the tint engineered for the activity can significantly help an athlete perform.

In case you’re wondering (I would be!), Bryan’s cuts and bruises are due to an unfortunate mountain biking accident up in Whistler over the weekend. It looked painful!