On a sunny day, everyone knows that sunglasses make it easier to see, whether on the road or In the water. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wearing the right sunglasses is an excellent defense against ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause short- and long-term eye damage.
When purchasing sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun, keep the following factors in mind:
1. Make it a 100%
When choosing sunglasses to protect your eyes, the most important item to look for is a sticker or tag showing that they block 100 percent of UV radiation. According to the Academy’s 2014 national sun safety study, fewer than half of people buying sunglasses check to see if the lenses shield their eyes from ultraviolet rays; this is an important part that is often overlooked.
2. Bigger is preferable in most cases.
The more UV protection provided by sunglasses, the less damage to the eyes is caused by the sun. Consider purchasing bigger or wraparound-style glasses, which assist reduce UV exposure from the side as well.
3. Darker lenses do not provide better protection.
While black lenses may appear to block more UV rays, they do not necessarily do so. It is still essential to check how much UV radiation it can shield your eyes.
4. It does not matter what color you use.
The lenses on some sunglasses are amber, green, or gray. They do not block more light, but they can improve contrast, which may be useful for baseball or golf players.
5. Polarized lenses reduce glare rather than UV.
Polarization cuts down on glare from shiny surfaces like water and pavement; this does not provide additional sun protection, but it can make activities such as driving and being on the water safer and more enjoyable.
6. The cost should not be a factor.
It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on sunglasses to be effective. Less expensive pairs labeled as 100% UV-blocking can be just as effective as more expensive ones. It does not necessarily mean that a costly pair of sunglasses can give your eyes the best protection. Sometimes, it could be the other way around, especially if the expensive sunglasses are designed for cosmetic purposes.
