Q: What features should I look for when shopping for sunglasses?
A: Many shoppers buy sunglasses for the simple purpose of reducing the sun's glare. For others, sunglasses are a fashion accessory. However, wearing sunglasses can also play an important role in preventing serious eye disease.
Unfortunately, sunglasses are not all the same, and you need to know what to look for when selecting a pair. Below are some tips to consider when shopping for sunglasses:
1. Try to find sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent ultraviolet (UV) ray blockage. Darker shades don't always equal better UV blockage. While you may prefer a darker lens, the presence and/or effectiveness of a UV coating is a completely separate feature.
2. Check the label to see if they protect against both UVB and UVA rays. Both of these ultraviolet rays contain radiation and put you at risk of developing cancer.
3. Consider wrap-around styles that protect from both the sides and front.
4. Good sunglasses that provide proper protection don't necessarily have to cost a lot. However, make sure the lenses match in color and are free of distortions and imperfections.
5. Don't forget the smaller members of the family, for they are prone to the same risks as you.
6. Sunglasses should fit comfortably and provide the proper amount of glare reduction.
Once you find the sunglasses that are right for your needs and preferences, don't forget to wear them. If you'll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, you should wear both a hat and sunglasses-one doesn't substitute for the other.
If you find yourself bypassing sunglasses because you are already wearing prescription eyeglasses, discuss your options with your eye care provider. You may benefit from prescription sunglasses, eyeglasses that automatically adjust to the level of brightness in the environment or clip-on shades that fit over your eyeglasses.
Q: What are my risks if I choose to wear sunglasses that do not provide UV protection?
A: Wearing tinted glasses without UV ray protection can cause more harm than wearing no glasses at all. When light is cut out or reduced by putting on sunglasses, your pupil dilates to let more light into the visual system. By wearing tinted glasses without UV ray protection, you are allowing more UV rays to reach the dilated pupil, putting you at risk for more damage.
Exposure to UV rays can contribute to the formation of serious eye diseases and complications including cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis or "snow blindness", and pterygium, as well as an increased risk of developing cancer.
Photokeratitis-a sunburn on the cornea-is found in people who spend lots of time outdoors on the beach or in the snow and do not wear eye protection. Sunlight that reflects off snow, sand and water can increase exposure to UV rays resulting in temporary loss of vision. However, the damage that is done can be reversed, and the eye can heal.
Vision that is impaired due to a cloudy lens is a result of cataracts. Cataracts are generally found in older individuals, however, they can develop when you are frequently exposed to UV rays.
Long-term exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. Macular degernation is the deterioration of tissue in your eye that is responsible for central vision. This eye complication can affect your reading, driving and visual recognition by forming a blind spot on your eye.
Pteryrium is prevelant in those over the age of 20. An abnormal mass on the eye's surface is formed from increased exposure to the sun. Individuals with outdoor jobs have a higher risk of developing pteryrium.
Sunglasses may only appear as a fashion accessory, but in the end, they can save your sight and protect your vision. If you are going to be spending a lot of time outside, talk to your healthcare provider about more ways to protect your eyes from sun damage.
- Dr. Fraser provides eye care for patients of all ages, ranging from eye examinations to diagnosing and treating ocular diseases. She received her optometric degree at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Fraser is a member of the American Optometric Association. For more information about Dr. Fraser or to schedule an appointment, please call Monroe Clinic at 608-324-2350.
A: Many shoppers buy sunglasses for the simple purpose of reducing the sun's glare. For others, sunglasses are a fashion accessory. However, wearing sunglasses can also play an important role in preventing serious eye disease.
Unfortunately, sunglasses are not all the same, and you need to know what to look for when selecting a pair. Below are some tips to consider when shopping for sunglasses:
1. Try to find sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent ultraviolet (UV) ray blockage. Darker shades don't always equal better UV blockage. While you may prefer a darker lens, the presence and/or effectiveness of a UV coating is a completely separate feature.
2. Check the label to see if they protect against both UVB and UVA rays. Both of these ultraviolet rays contain radiation and put you at risk of developing cancer.
3. Consider wrap-around styles that protect from both the sides and front.
4. Good sunglasses that provide proper protection don't necessarily have to cost a lot. However, make sure the lenses match in color and are free of distortions and imperfections.
5. Don't forget the smaller members of the family, for they are prone to the same risks as you.
6. Sunglasses should fit comfortably and provide the proper amount of glare reduction.
Once you find the sunglasses that are right for your needs and preferences, don't forget to wear them. If you'll be spending an extended period of time outdoors, you should wear both a hat and sunglasses-one doesn't substitute for the other.
If you find yourself bypassing sunglasses because you are already wearing prescription eyeglasses, discuss your options with your eye care provider. You may benefit from prescription sunglasses, eyeglasses that automatically adjust to the level of brightness in the environment or clip-on shades that fit over your eyeglasses.
Q: What are my risks if I choose to wear sunglasses that do not provide UV protection?
A: Wearing tinted glasses without UV ray protection can cause more harm than wearing no glasses at all. When light is cut out or reduced by putting on sunglasses, your pupil dilates to let more light into the visual system. By wearing tinted glasses without UV ray protection, you are allowing more UV rays to reach the dilated pupil, putting you at risk for more damage.
Exposure to UV rays can contribute to the formation of serious eye diseases and complications including cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis or "snow blindness", and pterygium, as well as an increased risk of developing cancer.
Photokeratitis-a sunburn on the cornea-is found in people who spend lots of time outdoors on the beach or in the snow and do not wear eye protection. Sunlight that reflects off snow, sand and water can increase exposure to UV rays resulting in temporary loss of vision. However, the damage that is done can be reversed, and the eye can heal.
Vision that is impaired due to a cloudy lens is a result of cataracts. Cataracts are generally found in older individuals, however, they can develop when you are frequently exposed to UV rays.
Long-term exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. Macular degernation is the deterioration of tissue in your eye that is responsible for central vision. This eye complication can affect your reading, driving and visual recognition by forming a blind spot on your eye.
Pteryrium is prevelant in those over the age of 20. An abnormal mass on the eye's surface is formed from increased exposure to the sun. Individuals with outdoor jobs have a higher risk of developing pteryrium.
Sunglasses may only appear as a fashion accessory, but in the end, they can save your sight and protect your vision. If you are going to be spending a lot of time outside, talk to your healthcare provider about more ways to protect your eyes from sun damage.
- Dr. Fraser provides eye care for patients of all ages, ranging from eye examinations to diagnosing and treating ocular diseases. She received her optometric degree at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Fraser is a member of the American Optometric Association. For more information about Dr. Fraser or to schedule an appointment, please call Monroe Clinic at 608-324-2350.
