Sunglasses Specialist
Advanced Vision & Achievement Center
Optometrists located in Phoenix, AZ
Approximately 20% of cataracts are the result of regular UV exposure, but you can protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses. At Advanced Vision & Achievement Center in Phoenix, highly skilled optometrists Neha Amin, OD, FAAO, and Mary Hardy, OD, provide the most advanced eye protection available, including sunglasses. For more information on sunglasses and other types of eye protection, book an appointment online or over the phone.
Sunglasses Q & A
Why is it important to wear sunglasses?
Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory. They can protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV).
UV rays are a form of energy that is invisible to the eye. Some UV rays, like UVC, are stopped in the Earth’s atmosphere before they reach your eye. But, UVA and UVB rays can both cause severe damage, including:
- Cataracts: clouding of the lenses of your eyes, which can lead to blurry vision
- Macular degeneration: retina damage that can destroy your central vision
- Pterygium: tissue growth over the whites of your eyes, which can cause astigmatism
- Photokeratitis, or snow blindness: painful inflammation of the corneas, which can lead to blindness
Without proper eye protection, UV rays can cause changes to your eye tissue that can be permanent.
How do I know if my sunglasses will protect my eyes?
Not all sunglasses are created equal. It’s important to look for sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays, including UVA and UVB rays. For the best protection, look for a label that shows “UV 400.” This designation means the sunglasses block UV rays down to 400 nanometers, thereby providing 100% eye protection.
To protect your eyes from glare caused by the visible spectrum, choose sunglasses that block 75-90% of visible light.
Are there different types of sunglasses?
At Advanced Vision & Achievement Center, Dr. Amin and Dr. Hardy offer a wide range of sunglasses, including prescription and nonprescription options. Popular selections include:
- Clip-ons
- Wrap around glasses that fit over your existing lenses
- Prescription sunglasses
Dr. Amin and Dr. Hardy also offer sunglasses with polarized lenses and lenses that automatically darken when exposed to bright light.
What are polarized sunglasses?
Polarized lenses filter out specific types of glare that radiate upward when sunlight hits horizontal surfaces. Dr. Amin and Dr. Hardy recommend these types of lenses for certain activities, including:
- Fishing and boating
- Skiing
- Golfing
- Jogging
- Driving
Polarized lenses are usually identified with a label. If you wear prescription contacts, Dr. Amin and Dr. Hardy might also discuss getting a pair of UV-blocking contact lenses to provide additional protection.
To learn more about sunglasses and the importance of UV protection, call Advanced Vision & Achievement Center or schedule an appointment online today.
Conditions & Treatments
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Children's Eye Examsmore info
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Comprehensive Eye Examsmore info
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Vision Therapymore info
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Prescription Glasses & Contact Lensesmore info
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Red Eyesmore info
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Dry Eyesmore info
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Ortho-Kmore info
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Sports Visionmore info
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Sunglassesmore info
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Glaucomamore info
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Amblyopiamore info
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Astigmatismmore info
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Blurry Visionmore info
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Computer Vision Syndromemore info
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Lasik Screeningmore info
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Presbyopiamore info