Next to sunscreen, the last thing you want to forget on a hot summer day is your sunglasses. As a must-have fashion accessory, sunglasses not only pull an entire outfit together, but they have a crucial impact on protecting your eyes. It’s important to take proper care of your eyes and try to prevent as many vision problems as possible. Here are a few things to think about before you head outdoors without your sunnies:
What do they prevent?
While many people are aware of how harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays can be to the skin, they often forget that UV radiation can be just as harmful on the eyes and damage your vision. Exposing your eyes to the sun for more than 30 minutes can cause UV damage and even harm the top layer of cells on your eye. Extended exposure in the sun can cause severe damage like Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Pingueculae, Pterygia and Photokeratitis. Photokeratitis, also referred to as “snow blindness”, occurs when the cornea gets a sun burn, which causes temporary vision loss and major discomfort.
What to look for in a pair?
You are more likely to buy a pair of sunglasses because you like the way they look on you, but it’s important to get the most coverage out of them. When it comes to protecting your eyes, look for a pair that includes protection against rays, lenses that cover your entire eye and are made out of harm reducing materials.
Protection
There are three types of UV rays: UVC, UVA and UVB. UVA and UVB radiation can cause negative long and short term effects on your vision. For example, UVA rays have the ability to pass through the cornea and reach the lens and retina inside your eye. You’ll want to buy a pair that block 99 to 100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays. UVC rays are the most harmful on your eyes and skin but they absorbed entirely by the atmosphere’s ozone layer. We don’t have to worry about this too much in North America but in other continents where the ozone layer has holes, these rays can cause a ton of damage.
Size
You’ll want to protect as much of the skin around your eyes as possible. Look for a pair of sunglasses with large lenses or a pair that has a close-fitting wraparound style. Your lenses should be on the bigger side and sit close to your face so the rays can’t get in-between your glasses and eyes.
Material
Take note of the lenses you are looking at when you start shopping. Glass lenses provide the best protection because they are a natural protector against UV rays. If you find that these lenses are too heavy, you can also go with the common plastic lens that can be just as effective. It’s important to note that the colour or darkness of the lenses is completely unrelated to the amount of UV protection your sunglasses provide. So go ahead and choose a colour that matches your personality and style.
Styles You Can Try
Depending on your hobbies or career, you’ll want to pick a trend or design that fits well with your lifestyle. We’ve pulled together a couple of options that follow some of the biggest trends but still provide you with the proper protection.
Retro
To go completely retro, check out these Ray-Ban Retro Flash sunglasses. Are you looking for a style that’s inspired by legendary musicians, originated in the 1960’s? The mirror coating on the lenses decreases the amount of light that passes through. Another benefit is that these glasses have polarized lenses which blocks 99 per cent of the UV rays.
Modern
These Dolce & Gabbana glasses were made for the modern man. The design is exclusive, luxurious and safe. The glasses have a close-fitting frame and the lenses are made out of Polycarbonate, which is an ideal material because they provide 100 per cent protection against UV rays.
Classic
This pair of original aviators from the Mirror Collection will always be in style, regardless of the trends. The lenses are made out of glass which is the best material to protect against 100 per cent of those rays!
If you feel that your prescription sunglasses limit your style options, get in touch with us to book your complimentary assessment! Put your vision first this summer and find a proper and stylish pair of sunglasses that will prevent severe eye damage.