Sunglasses & Contacts Provide UV Protection

Sunglasses can protect your eyes against the harmful rays of the sun. To provide adequate protection sunglasses should: 1) Block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation; 2) Screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light; 3) Be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection, and; 4) Have lenses that are gray, green or brown. If you wear contact lenses, you can now enjoy an added measure of protection.

Contact lenses are now available with a UV blocking feature. These contact lenses should not be worn in place of your sunglasses, but do provide additional protection by blocking much of the UV radiation that can seep in from above and below your sunglasses.

It is also a good idea to wear a hat or cap with a wide brim if you are in the sun. Sunglasses that are worn while you participate in eye hazardous work or sports should be made of 2mm thick polycarbonate.

The lenses in your protective eyewear should provide clear, comfortable vision with little distortion. Excessively scratched, pitted or chipped lenses can lose their impact resistance and should be replaced. Eye protective equipment should fit snugly and correctly. Straps, frames and other parts should be durable and fit comfortably.