A while back I wrote about my struggle to find the perfect sunglasses. Back then any pair of shades that didn’t make me look like a bug would make it to the check out counter. Then I went to the ophthalmologist and got a major wake up call.
If you base your choice in outdoor eyewear on comfort or fashion you may be putting your eyes at risk. Many of us look at sunglasses as an accessory or simply a way to avoid squinting on a sunny day. Rarely do we consider how they protect our eyes and the skin surrounding them… and that (according to my doctor, not Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson or Tom Cruise) is what you should be concerned about when shopping for the right shades.
That doesn’t make it any easier. In fact, as I learned from my ophthalmologist, finding the perfect pair of “healthy” sunglasses can be even more challenging because the federal government does not regulate the protective value of sunglasses. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), you should be looking for a lens with a sticker that says it offers “100% UVA and UVB protection.” Basically, that means the glasses will provide adequate protection from the sun’s damaging rays.
In addition, the AOA suggests the following:
· Look for sunglasses that screen out at least 75% to 90% of visible light.
· Wear your sunglasses even on cloudy days.
· Choose gray-tinted lenses when possible.
· Check your lenses for any distortions. You can do so by looking at the lenses from about an arm’s length away. Aim for a straight line like the edge of a door, and then move the lenses. If you see the straight-line curve then you know the lenses may be warped.
Doctors also say it’s important to wear sunglasses all year round, but it’s critical to do so in the summer when the intensity of ultra-violet rays triples.
Another suggestion: If you participate in summer sports look for wrap-around shades. They cover more skin and cut down on the intensity of the rays that reach the eyes.
If you don’t wear sunglasses, doctors warn that extended UV exposure can lead to a number of eye problems, including cataracts.