Which Type of Sunglasses Are Right for You?
More than just a fashion statement, sunglasses reduce glare and protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) light. With so many styles and lens choices available, finding the perfect pair can be a little overwhelming. Fortunately, your optometrist can help you select stylish sunglasses that offer the ultimate in sun protection.
The Many Benefits of Sunglasses
Sunglasses offer protection from:
- Glare. Sunglass lenses filter light and reduce glare from the sun, snow, and sand. Is bright light a trigger for your headaches or migraines? Wearing sunglasses could help you reduce the number of headaches you get.
- UV Rays. Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVA) rays can damage your eyes over time. If you don't wear sunglasses year-round, your risk for cataracts increases. Sunglasses that provide UV protection also reduce the risk of cancer in and around your eyes.
- Dust and Debris. Sunglasses block dirt, dust, and debris from entering your eyes.
- Dry Eye. Windy or sunny conditions may make dry eye symptoms worse. Wearing sunglasses can help you keep your eyes moist.
- Eye Strain. Glare can lead to uncomfortable eye strain. Sunglasses offer a simple way to avoid sore eyes, blurry or double vision, dry eyes, headaches, and other eye strain symptoms.
- Photokeratitis. Forgetting your sunglasses on a sunny day could lead to photokeratitis, a painful condition that temporarily damages the cornea. Similar to a sunburn, photokeratitis affects the clear corneal tissue covering your iris and pupil. Photokeratitis causes blurry vision, watery eyes, headaches, light sensitivity, and redness. Fortunately, symptoms usually improve in a day or two.
Choosing Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses blocks UV light and glare without being so dark that you struggle to see. The American Optometric Association recommends choosing sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B light and screen out 75 to 90% of visible light.
Sunglasses are available in a variety of styles and types, including;
- Fashion. You don't have to spend a lot for sun protection. Fashion sunglasses available in stores can be just as effective as pricier types. Once you find a pair that looks and feels good, check the tag to ensure the glasses offer 100% UV protection. Fashionable sunglasses aren't only found on drugstore racks. Your optometrist offers a variety of fashion-forward, comfortable sunglasses for men, women, and children. Sunglasses are a must for kids, as 80 percent of lifetime sun exposure will happen before your children are 18, according to UCLA Health.
- Clip-On. Clip-on sunglasses attach to your prescription glasses with clips or magnets. Although clip-on sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun, finding a pair of clip-ons that fit your frames perfectly can be difficult.
- Prescription. Prescription sunglasses offer an alternative to clip-ons if you wear glasses. Your prescription is added to tinted lenses to ensure clear, comfortable vision.
- Photochromic. Hate switching between your regular prescription glasses and sunglasses? Photochromic sunglasses may be the perfect choice for you. The lenses darken in the sunlight and gradually lighten when you return inside. Photochromic lenses may not darken completely in motor vehicles due to UV protection added to windshields.
- Polarized. Adding polarized lenses to your sunglasses reduces glare while improving color contrast and sharpening your vision. Polarized lenses are a good choice for driving, water activities, and sports.
- Wraparound. Wraparound sunglasses have a curved frame that prevents light from entering your eyes from the sides or top of your glasses. This style offers the most complete protection from UV rays.
- Sports. Sports sunglasses feature impact-resistant lenses and offer a closer fit than traditional sunglasses. The close fit means you won't have to worry about the glasses sliding off your face when biking, running, or participating in your favorite sport or activity.
- Blue Light Blocking. Blue light blocking sunglasses feature yellow or orange lenses that decrease the amount of blue light that reaches your eyes in order to reduce eye strain.
Need a new pair of sunglasses? Stop by the office to check out our selection, or call us to schedule an appointment for an eye exam.
Sources:
American Optometric Association: Ultraviolet (UV) Light
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/uv-protection?sso=y
UCLA Health: Protect Your Peepers: How to Choose the Best Sunglasses for Eye Health, 7/26/2022
All About Vision: Everything You Need to Know About Sunglasses, 3/23/2021
https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/sunglasses/buying/everything-you-need-to-know/
National Eye Institute: Protecting Your Eyes from the Sun’s UV Light, July 5, 2022
https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/protecting-your-eyes-suns-uv-light