If you wanted to be dramatic, you could say that the sun is like a dangerous laser that throws damaging UV rays toward the Earth and its inhabitants every day. So, let’s talk about the best way to protect your eyes from those damaging UVA and UVB rays.
The answer is sunglasses. But to protect your eyes from damage, you need the right kind of sunglasses – the kind that protects eyes from 100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Sunglasses are much more than a fashion statement. They shield your eyes from the sun’s radiation and reduce light sensitivity so you enjoy comfortable vision under even the harshest conditions.
Most people experience light sensitivity in two ways — brightness and glare. Sunglasses reduce both types of sensitivity and protect your eyes from the cumulative ultraviolet light that can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, eye cancers, and growths on the eye.
When you buy cheap sunglasses on the internet, it’s difficult to guarantee that the lenses offer 100% UV protection. That’s why we don’t recommend buying sunglasses from either a discount store or the internet. There is the possibility that such lenses don’t meet the American Optometric Association’s standards for 100% UV protective lenses. And with the serious harm that overexposure to UV can cause in the eye, it’s just not worth the risk – for you, or your children.
To complicate matters, young children’s eyes are even more susceptible than adult eyes to damage from UV exposure, yet only a minority of kids under age 10 wear high-quality sunglasses and a hat when they spend time outside.
5 Sunglasses Selection Tips
So, when looking for a high-quality pair of sunglasses, what should you look for?
Here are our top 5 sunglasses selection tips:
- UV protection. Look for a sticker or tag that states “100% UV Protection from UVA and UVB Light” or “UV 400 Protection” – both mean the same thing. Don’t assume that darker lenses offer better protection; they don’t. They may look cool, but aren’t protective. The darker lens allows the pupil to open wider to let in more damaging light to the back of the eye. More light equals more cumulative damage. Only lenses with 100% UV protection prevent your eyes from absorbing ultraviolet light.
- Polarized lenses. A polarized coating on your lenses offers additional benefits for vision comfort by reducing glare from reflective surfaces such as roads, water, sand, or snow. But remember: Polarization doesn’t mean the lens also offers 100% UV protection.
- Size and shape. Bigger is better! Look for oversized or wrap-around styles to protect not only your eyes, but the sensitive skin surrounding them.
- Lens color. No matter the shade or tint, colored lenses don’t block out more of the sun’s rays than non-colored lenses. However, rose or brown lenses can provide more contrast for a better visual experience. Mirrored finishes on lenses alone don’t fully protect your eyes from UV light, but can help reduce the amount of light entering the eyes, particularly in high-glare environments. Plus, you’ll look cool.
- Impact protection. By law, all sunglasses must meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration impact standards for safety. Talk to your optometrist about sunglasses or sports goggles made of polycarbonate plastic with a scratch-resistant coating for sporting activities. Such sunglasses are comfortable, lightweight, and impact-resistant.
Dangerous Eye Environments Where Sunglasses Can’t Help
Sunglasses with 100% UV protection will protect your eyes throughout the day under normal living conditions. But they will not protect your eyes in extreme environments such as tanning beds or while arc welding.
Additionally, never stare at or look directly at the sun with sunglasses on, particularly during a solar eclipse. Without proper UV eye protection, you may fall victim to a very painful condition called photokeratitis, which is literally a sunburn to the eyeball that can cause temporary tears, gritty, red eyes, and extreme sensitivity.
Without UV protection, the sun’s UVB rays are generally absorbed by the lens and cornea of the eye, causing damage to those specific tissues. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the eye’s structures, causing retinal damage that may result in central vision loss.
It’s important to wear sunglasses every day, even on overcast or cloudy days, because the UV index is just as high on cloudy days as on a clear day! Be aware that UV exposure is at its highest between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., so be extra vigilant with sun protection during those hours.
Already Wear Corrective Lenses?
Not a problem! Ask us about the various ways that you can utilize corrective lenses as sunglasses. Consider photochromic lenses, flip sunglasses, or prescription sunglasses. We also offer a clear UV protective coating that blocks out 100% of the sun’s harmful rays without adding color to lenses.
We offer a wide range of high-quality sunglasses to fit your lifestyle and vision needs. Get all of your questions answered by our expert professionals, then rest assured that your 100% UV protective lenses will give you clearer and safer vision!
There are lots of options to consider when selecting a pair of sunglasses; come in and visit our talented optical staff, who will help you navigate all the choices to find the perfect pair for you.
Recent Comments