There's nothing quite like a day in the sun to brighten your spirits. However, being outdoors carries some risks, particularly for your eyes. Overexposure to the sun's damaging rays can lead to serious eye diseases.
Luckily, sunglasses can help you protect your eyes, and they don’t have to be expensive, either. But they do need to guarantee full UV protection.
Here are some things to look out for when purchasing sunglasses:
UV Protection – Do not be fooled by the lens's color. Just because the lens is dark doesn't mean it will keep you safe. Choose lenses that offer 99-100% UV protection. If the sunglasses offer ‘UV absorption up to 400nm,’ that’s the same as 100% UV protection.
Polarized - Reflected glare is reduced by wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses. They’re especially helpful while driving, out in the snow or on the water. UV protection is different from polarization, so check to be sure your lenses are also UV protected.
Wraparound - Wrap-around sunglasses restrict the sun's rays from entering from the sides. According to studies cited by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, enough UV rays enter around standard frames to diminish the protective advantages of regular sunglasses.
Mirror coatings - Mirror coatings cut down on the amount of visible light that enters the eyes. They can provide additional protection to the sensitive skin surrounding the eye area when used in conjunction with a wraparound lens.
Gradient - These lenses are shaded darker from top to bottom or from top and bottom, and are lighter in the middle. When shaded from top to bottom, the glare from the sky is reduced, making driving simpler. It is easier to participate in sports when it is shaded from top to bottom and lighter in the middle.
Start protecting your eyes with the right pair of sunglasses. Visit Switalski Eye Care in Switalski Eye Care so we can help you choose the pair that’s right for you.
At Switalski Eye Care, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 855-847-4686 or book an appointment online to see one of our East Plano eye doctors.
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Q&A
It’s not that sunny out, do I still need to wear sunglasses?
Yes. UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun can cause damage to the eyes. UV rays penetrate clouds, so even on overcast days your eyes can be damaged.
Does my child need to wear sunglasses?
Sunglasses for kids are a must. Children, including babies, are at more risk than adults because they spend more time in the sun, and their eyes are more susceptible to harmful UV rays. Since UV damage builds up over a person's lifetime, you should start protecting your child's eyes as soon as possible.