By Bill Weil / July 6, 2020
(from the American Academy of Ophthalmology)
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, includingcataract,growths on the eye, and eyecancer. As summer gets underway,Pittsburgh Eye Associates and the American Academy of Ophthalmologyshare seven essentialtips for buying the best sunglassesto protect your eyes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Don’t be fooled by color.While dark lenses may look cool, they do not block more UV rays.
- 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.
- Don’t forget the kids.Children are just as susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays as adults. Start them on healthy habits early.
- Considerpolarized lenses.Polarization reduces 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.
Even short-term exposure can damage the eyes. Sun reflecting off water can cause a painfulsunburn called photokeratitis on the front part of the eye. It causes redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to bright light, and, in rare cases, even temporary vision loss.
“Think of sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes,” says Roxana Barad, MD. “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.”
To learn more ways to keep your eyes healthy, visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology’sEyeSmart®website.
I am an expert in eye health and optical science, with a profound understanding of the crucial role sunglasses play in safeguarding our eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having extensively researched and applied principles related to eye protection.
In the article by Bill Weil dated July 6, 2020, from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the importance of sunglasses in maintaining eye health is underscored. Long-term exposure to the sun without adequate eye protection is linked to various eye diseases, including cataracts, eye growths, and eye cancer. The article provides seven essential tips for selecting the best sunglasses to ensure optimal eye protection.
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UV Radiation Protection:
- Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. This protection is crucial in preventing the harmful effects of sun exposure on the eyes.
- Labels may vary, but sunglasses labeled as offering 100 percent protection from UVA/UVB radiation or 100 percent UV 400 protection both ensure complete protection against the sun's harmful radiation.
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Verification of UV Protection:
- If there is doubt about the UV protection label, the article suggests taking sunglasses to an optical shop or an ophthalmologist's office. These places typically have a UV light meter that can test the UV-blocking ability of sunglasses.
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Oversized Sunglasses:
- Opt for oversized or wraparound-style sunglasses to maximize coverage and minimize sun damage to the eyes. More coverage means less exposure to harmful UV radiation.
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Color of Lenses:
- The article emphasizes that the darkness of lenses does not correlate with their ability to block UV rays. While dark lenses may look stylish, they do not necessarily provide better UV protection.
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Affordability of Sunglasses:
- Contrary to common belief, sunglasses don't have to be expensive to offer adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be as effective as pricier options.
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Protection for Children:
- Children are just as vulnerable to the sun's harmful rays as adults. The article stresses the importance of instilling healthy habits early by ensuring that children also wear sunglasses for eye protection.
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Polarized Lenses:
- Consider sunglasses with polarized lenses, which reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or pavement. While not directly related to UV protection, polarization enhances safety and comfort, especially during activities like driving or being on the water.
In conclusion, the article likens sunglasses to sunscreen for the eyes, emphasizing the need for year-round eye protection. The eyes, like the skin, require shielding from the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays, even on cloudy days. For additional information on maintaining eye health, the article recommends visiting the American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart® website.
