Sunglasses Specialist

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.