Summer is here, and you’re probably enjoying some fun in the sun! While catching some rays can be a good thing, if you don’t protect your eyes, it can turn into a bad thing; a bad thing that could have some serious consequences on your vision. If you are exposed to the UV rays from the sun for long periods of time without any eye protection, you are putting yourself at risk for a number of preventable eye diseases.
Some of these include:
- Cataracts
- Skin cancer of the eye lids and surrounding areas
- Melanoma of the eye itself
- Macular degeneration
Whenever you are out in the sunlight, it is important to wear sunglasses – but not just any sunglasses. Too often, we shop for sunglasses based on how we look in them. However, there are a few things you need to look for in a pair of sunglasses other than how you look when you wear them.
How do you choose sunglasses for vision protection?
Choosing Sunglasses
The most important thing to remember when choosing a pair of sunglasses for vision protection is that darker lenses are not necessarily better. The lenses need to absorb UV rays. A pair of dark sunglasses that do not absorb any UV rays can actually be more dangerous. The darker the lenses, the more your eyes dilate, meaning more UV rays are able to enter your eye.
Make sure the sunglasses you choose say they protect your eyes from both UVA and UVB rays. The label should say 99 to 100 percent UV absorbent or UV 400.
Next week, we will be discussing other factors to consider when choosing a pair of sunglasses for vision protection. So stay tuned! In the meantime, explore the rest of our blog section for more healthy vision tips & tricks. If you are considering LASIK and interested in learning more, request a FREE consultation here!