“Choosing
the right sunglasses means understanding that they are more than just a fashion
accessory,” commented Fall River Optometrist, Dr. Christopher Covello of Center
for Sight. “Sunglasses
are an important form of protection for your eyes against the damaging rays of
the sun,” Dr. Covello explained.
It's
important for you to know what types of light you need to protect your eyes
from and what types of light are not necessarily harmful. Here are some tips
for picking the right pair of nonprescription sunglasses.
Ø Choose Sunglasses that Block 99% of Ultraviolet (UV) Rays. This is the most important feature of your sunglasses, and
you should always choose sunglasses that provide this protection. Long-term
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight is linked to eye disease,
including cataracts. Some manufacturers' labels say UV absorption up to 400nm.
This is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption. Some glasses make
additional claims for blocking infrared rays, but research has not shown a close
connection between infrared rays and eye disease.
Ø Don't Rely on the Price. Many types of affordable sunglasses offer 99 to 100% UV
protection, so you don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money on a pair of
sunglasses.
Ø Do Rely on the Quality. In addition to UV protection, you also want to check the
optical quality of the lenses. You can easily test the quality of sunglasses by
looking at something with a rectangular pattern, such as a floor tile. Hold the
glasses at a comfortable distance and cover one eye. Move the glasses slowly
from side to side, then up and down. If the lines stay straight, the lenses are
fine. If the lines wiggle, especially in the center of the lens, try another
pair.
Ø Look for Impact-Resistant Lenses. All sunglasses must meet impact standards set by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety. No lens is truly unbreakable,
but plastic lenses are less likely to shatter when hit by a ball or stone.
Polycarbonate plastics, used in many sports sunglasses, are especially strong,
but scratch easily. If you buy polycarbonate lenses, choose ones with a
scratch-resistant coating.
Ø Use Protective Eyewear NOT Sunglasses for Hazardous
Activities. If you are going to be
engaged in outdoor activities like water or snow skiing that put your eye at
risk for injury, don't count on your eyeglasses for protection. Protective
eyewear is available with UV protection to shield your eyes from sunburn and
glare.
Ø Lens Color Tinting & Polarization are Personal Preferences. There's no medical reason to recommend one tint of lens
over another. Likewise, while polarized lenses work better at deflecting glare,
they're not blocking any more harmful UV light than non-polarized lenses.
Once you have the right sunglasses, make sure you wear them, especially in the summer when UV levels are at least
three times higher than in the winter. Also be sure to wear them when
participating in winter sports, particularly at high elevations.
If you or someone you know has a
question or would like to learn more about choosing the right sunglasses please
feel free to call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020, or
visit www.center-for-sight.com or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently
located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts
02720 for patients
from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
