Sunlight is vital for all of us. However, our eyes are very sensitive to it and it is essential to protect them properly. A specialist in solar protection in high-risk environments and extreme conditions, Julbo has been providing its expertise to people who love to look at the world for over 120 years. Julbo develops its frames and lenses through a combination of innovation and careful attention to detail. This presentation contains essential information on the dangers of sunlight and how to protect against it. Because your eyes are unique and the world needs your vision.

1. The sun and our eyes
Training on the dangers of sunlight
and protection of our ocular system
www.julbo-eyewear.com

2. SUMMARY
1. Introduction
2. The eye
3. Sunlight and potential hazards
4. Protection against sunlight
5. Children’s eyes

3. Sunlight is vital for all of us. However, our eyes are very sensitive to it and
it is essential to protect them properly.
A specialist in solar protection in high-risk environments and extreme
conditions, Julbo has been providing its expertise to people who love to
look at the world for over 120 years. Julbo develops its frames and lenses
through a combination of innovation and careful attention to detail.
This presentation contains essential information on the dangers of sunlight
and how to protect against it. Because your eyes are unique and
the world needs your vision.

4. 2. THE EYE
The eye is an optical system consisting of a crystalline lens, transparent
media and a screen (the retina).
Cornea : outer covering
of the eye. It is the first
filter of UV rays.
Crystalline lens: the lens
through which light enters
the eye. 100% impermeable
to UVA and UVB in adults.
Retina: the screen which
the image is projected on

5. 2 // Eyes diseases
Damaged cells in the eyes are replaced over time...
... but the replacement process becomes less effective, resulting in serious or
even irreversible diseases:
 Ophtalmia (snow blindness): inflammation of the cornea –sensation of
«grains of sand» under the eyelid, vision problems.
 Conjunctivitis
 Long-term problems: Cataracts, retinopathy, age-related
macular degeneration (AMD), etc.

6. 3. Sunlight and potential hazards
The sun emits visible and invisible electromagnetic waves of different
lengths
*nm = nanometer
1 nm = 1 millionthof a millimeter
Ultraviolet Light Visible Light Infrared Light

7. 3 // Invisible light
Infrared light (IR): 780 -1000 (nm)
These low-energy invisible rays are not directly harmful but they do
produce heat. They heat the eye tissue.
Infrared light reduces the protective effect of tears.
HAZARDS
Burning of the eye through prolonged exposure is
increased at high altitude as humidity levels are low.

8. 3 // Invisible light
Ultraviolet light (UV): 200 -380 (nm)
high-energy rays are very harmful. They even have an effect in cloudy
weather. Clouds absorb no more than 10% of UV rays.
HAZARDS
 Molecular breakdown
 Corneal opacification
 Cataracts: clouding of the
crystalline lens
 Snow blindness
 UVA : 315 - 380 (nm)
Moderately harmful.
They cause light pigmentation
of the skin.
 UVB : 280 - 355 (nm)
Extremely harmful (1000 times
more aggressive than UVA),
they result in tanning
and premature ageing of the
eye and skin.
 UVC : 100 - 280 (nm)
These rays are absorbed by
the ozone layer.
In the mountains, the intensity of UV rays
increases by 10% for every1000 metres of altitude.

9. 3 // Visible light
 This is what the human eye can see (colours of the rainbow)
 The sun’s light is emitted in different ways:
- direct radiation,
- diffuse radiation (by the atmosphere): 6% more than direct
radiation
- reflected radiation (by the ground): between 4% and 90% of
light is reflected depending on the type of ground it hits.
 Surface glare can strongly increase light intensity:
- snow reflects up to 90% of the sun’s rays,
- water reflects up to 20% of the sun’s rays,
- sand reflects up to 30% of the sun’s rays.
HAZARDS
 Dazzle, fatigue
 Hinders and temporarily reduces visual capability.

10. 4. PROTECTION AGAINST SUNLIGHT
Sunlight filters must comply with European standard EN1836, and more
specifically:
 block 100% of UV radiation,
 prevent glare from visible light,
 have sufficient mechanical resistance (impact test),
 be of sufficient optical quality (optical class 1 or 2).
Category Application Transmission
0 Comfort 80 to 100%
1 Low light levels 43 to 80%
2 Average light levels 18 to 43%
3 Strong light levels 8 to 18%
4* Exception allight levels 3 to 8%
* Not permitted for vehicle driving

11. 4 // Sunlight filters: materials
Material Refractive
index
Production ABBE
Number
Density Resistance Surface
Finish
Mineral
lens
1,5-1,8 Cast 42-59 ~ 2,5 + +
CR38 1,50 Cast 58 1,3 -- -
MR8 1,60 Cast 42 1,3 - ++
PC 1,59 Injected 32 1,2 + +
NXT 1,53 Cast 45 1,1 ++ -

12. 4 // Sunlight filters: colors
Different lens colors are particularly suitable
for specific environments or sports.
Green:
Increases contrast for certain
sports (golf, hunting)
Yellow/Brown:
Increases contrast in most natural environments
Filters out blue light (the most harmful part of the spectrum)
Grey:
Colors look natural
Detail of terrain is visible
Red:
Increases contrast in most
natural environments
Copper or pink:
Increases contrast for driving
Softens vision

13. 4 // Sunlight filters: surface coatings
Coatings applied to the inside and/or outside of lenses are used
to enhance their properties.
Types of coating:
 mirror: increases the filtration rate of the lens and makes the eyes
less visible,
 anti-reflective: prevents glare from rays reflected by the inside of
the lens,
 anti-fog coating: prevents condensation,
 Oil-repellent/Water-repellent: facilitates the dispersal of liquids
and the removal of grease deposited on the lens (fingermarks,
skin or hair grease, creams, etc.)

14. 4 // Sunlight filters: polarization
When light rays hit a flat surface (car windscreen, water, snow,
asphalt, etc.) they spread out in all directions.
A polarized lens:
 Reduces glare by cutting out light rays reflecting on a
flat/horizontal surface (water, snow, windscreen, etc.).
 Enhances colours and improves contrast and relief.
 The polarizing coating is applied in the form of a «sandwich» filter
or on the lens surface.
Polarizing lens

15. 5. CHILDREN’S EYES
Children’s visual health is vitally important. They should be protected from the
irreversible damage that the sun can cause:
 The crystalline lens in children is permeable to UVA, only becoming
impermeable in adulthood.
 Damage caused in childhood is cumulative and contributes to disease in
adulthood.
Choosing the right sunglasses for your child is essential for preserving their
visual health.
More information and advice in our educational document
"The dangers of the sun for children's eyes"

16. Julbo Europe
Rue Lacuzon
39400 Longchaumois - France
Tel.: +33 (0)3.84.34.14.14
info@julbo.fr
www.julbo-eyewear.com
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Julbo USA
296 Avenue D, Ste 10
Williston, VT 05495 - USA
Phone: 802-651-0833
info@julbousa.com
www.julbousa.com