Sunglasses

Protect Your Eyes From Sun-Related Damage

Wide-brimmed hats are great but not enough to protect your eyes from damaging ultra-violet radiation. Protection is complete, however, when you add a pair of sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays.

It is often difficult with store bought glasses to tell if you’re really getting the correct amount of UV protection. Many sunglasses have labels stating they block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B but be aware of labels that only say “blocks UV”. These sunglasses probably do not block enough UV rays to protect your eyes. Sunglasses that don’t provide enough protection cause your pupils to relax and expand and actually expose your to more UV light damage.

If the sunglasses you want to purchase do not block 100 percent of UV radiation, have the lenses treated with a UV protective coating. Polycarbonate lenses and high-index photochromic plastic lenses block 100 percent of UV rays. Polycarbonate lenses are a great choice for children and athletes. Photochromic lenses darken when in sunlight then fade when removed from light. They protect from UV but may not cut the sun’s glare. Many optometric practices will test your sunglasses to see if they are giving you the correct level of UV protection.