Picking the Right Sunglasses to Protect Your Sight

Health

There are several reasons we wear sunglasses. Just the right pair of frames, in just the right color can be the accessory that makes your look. And of course putting on your sunglasses is the main way to keep the summer glare out of your eyes. The most important reason is not as trendy as going for

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The most important reason is not as trendy as going for The Look, and not as immediately-felt as being able to see properly when in the sun. But it will protect your eyelids, and parts of your eyes like your lenses and corneas from damage. You can prevent the later development of cataracts by shielding your eyes from exposure to harmful UV rays. Smaller lenses may be a look you like, but resist the impulse and buy bigger lenses, or sunglasses that wrap around.

Read the labels for particulars on UV protection. The best sunglasses will keep out 99 - 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. If the label doesn't have this information, walk away. Both polarized and photocromic lenses reduce glare, but should both be combined with UV protection from a special UV coating. Mirror-coating decreases the amount of light that gets through, but this also does not offer UV protection. Gradient frames offer greater protection at the top of the lenses to keep more light out, and they are lighter at the bottom where less coverage is needed. Double gradient sunglasses are dark at the bottom as well as the top.

If you pick sunglasses that filter blue light, you can protect your retinas. This can also protect you from macular degeneration later on. Macular degeneration causes vision loss. If you have, or are at risk for, macular degeneration, choose lenses that are in the orange-brown range to filter out blue light rays and UV rays. This will offer the greatest protection for your retinas. If you choose gray lenses, the colors you see won't be altered.

People who normally need prescription glasses to see can have a pair treated with a UV coating that does not show. If you prefer not to have prescription sunglasses, you can get photochromic lenses in your glasses or go with the old-school standby, clip-on sunglasses. That's right, the kind your grandpa used to wear. Those who wear contact lenses can get some that have UV protection but this isn't the best defense from the sun. Contacts don't cover enough area, so sunglasses should still be worn to receive full protection.

Jody Smith is a freelance writer for EmpowHER.com.

Sources:

When you're choosing sunglasses, does UV protection matter?

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uv-protection/AN00832

How to Find the Right Sunglasses

http://www.ehow.com/how_7274528_right-sunglasses.html

How to Choose Sunglasses

http://www.ehow.com/how_7138_choose-sunglasses.html

Related Links:

Sunglasses: More Than Just a Fashion Statement

http://www.empowher.com/eyes-amp-vision/content/sunglasses-more-just-fashion-statement

Pick the Right Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes