Here is why it is important to wear sunglasses during the summer
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from natural sunlight can cause damage to your eyes. These UV rays — including UVA and especially UVB —- can reflect off of various surfaces like water. Consequently, spending time at the beach, on a boat, and even taking a walk on a sunny day, can give your eyes a double dose of ultraviolet light because you get direct exposure from the sun and a second exposure from the reflected light.
We know we have to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, especially during the summer months. But, did you know we also have to protect our eyes?
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Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on the body and is more at risk for sunlight damage. Whether sunny or cloudy ultraviolet radiation is always around us. This invisible light impacts not only our skin but can reach deep into our eyes from the eyelids to the cornea to the lens to your retina.
UV damage to your eyes is cumulative as reported in a clinical research study in the Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science journal.
This damage has been linked to cancer of the eyelids and the skin around the eyes and also photokeratitis, a temporary but painful sunburn of the eye surface. It can also raise the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
~Some tips on choosing sunglasses:
It is never too early — or too late — to start protecting your eyes from the sun. Wearing sunglasses can help keep your eyes healthy. The most important thing choosing sunglasses is to make sure the lenses have a sticker or tag that declares 100 percent UV protection.
Do not settle for less than 100% UV protection, ever!
Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are our best defense and a worthwhile investment in your health.
UV Blocking and Polarization Are Not the Same
Polarized lenses reduce glare but do not block UV rays. Keep in mind that if your sunglasses are labeled as 100% UV blocking, it does not mean they are polarized too. Polarized lenses will have a label saying so. Polarized lenses have a special chemical applied to filter light that helps reduce the glare bouncing off reflective surfaces like water and roads to help improve vision and safety in the sun for activities like boating, golfing, or driving.
Athletes, bikers, anyone sensitive to light, or who experiences migraines, or sees glare off windshields when driving, will see better with polarized lenses. So, if you are considering polarized sunglass lenses, check the label to ensure they also provide maximum 100% UV protection!
Lens Darkness
Know that dark tinted lenses do not always mean better protection. The color and degree of darkness do not tell you anything about the lens’s ability to block UV light.
Bigger is Better
Look for sunglasses that offer the best protection for your specific eye care needs and your face shape because UV rays can reach your eyes from all angles. Larger frames give you good coverage. But, wraparound styles offer the best protection because they go from side to side.
American Academy of Ophthalmology Tips on Choosing The Best Sunglasses
- Look for the 100% UV protection sticker. Do not settle for less than 100%.
- Polarized lenses reduce glare but do not block UV rays.
- Darker glasses do not always mean they offer UV protection.
- Size matters! Bigger is better. If too small, you are exposing certain parts of your eyes to UV rays.
- Do not forget the kids! Children are just as susceptible to harmful sun rays as adults. Start them on healthy habits early.
About Bedminster Eye and Laser Center
Serving our community for 34 years, our board-certified ophthalmologist, therapeutic optometrist, licensed opticians, and certified ophthalmic technicians offer routine eye exams and specialized medical eye care such as cataract and glaucoma surgery. We also have The Optical Shoppe. We offer scheduled appointments six days a week, some evenings, and emergency services are available.
Our licensed opticians have more than 60 years of experience and understand your unique visual needs. If you are looking for advice about a new pair of high-quality sunglasses, with or without prescription lenses, visit our optical shop. Getting the appropriate frame, lens design, tints, and/or coatings, and getting properly fit is key to seeing clearly.