Hot summer weather can wreak havoc on your sensitive eyes. However, wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and also make you look more stylish. Sunglasses aren’t an optional summertime //accessory, they’re an essential prescription for eye health. Long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of eye disease, including cataract, growths on the eye, and eye cancer. As summer gets underway, The American Academy of Ophthalmology shares seven essential tips for buying the best sunglasses to protect your eyes.
‘Summer Special: Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Here are seven essential tips that may help you buy the best sunglasses to keep your eyes healthy.’
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1. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. Labels can sometimes be confusing. Some indicate sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from UVA/UVB radiation, others offer 100 percent UV 400 protection. Rest assured, both will block 100 percent of the sun's harmful radiation.Read More..
2. Doubt the UV protection label? Take your sunglasses to an optical shop or an ophthalmologist’s office. Most have a UV light meter that can test the UV-blocking ability of sunglasses.
3. Buy oversized. The more coverage from sunglasses, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider buying oversized glasses or wraparound-style glasses, which help cut down on UV entering the eye from the side.
4. Don’t be fooled by the color. While dark lenses may look cool, they do not block more UV rays.
5. You don’t need to pass on cheap sunglasses. Sunglasses don't have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as pricier options.
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7. Consider polarized lenses. Polarization reduces the glare coming off reflective surfaces like water or pavement. This does not offer more protection from the sun but can make activities like driving or being on the water safer or more enjoyable.
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“Think of sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes,” said Dianna Seldomridge, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Your eyes need protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays just like your skin. Make sure your eyes are protected year-round. Harmful UV rays are present even on cloudy days.”
Source-Newswise