Sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory, especially when it comes to eye health.
While esthetics do play a role, sunglasses can be considered a sunblock for the eyes, protecting us from damaging and harmful rays. With the sunny days ahead, it is essential to understand the need for a perfect pair of sunglasses that also protect you.
This article will cover everything you want to know to pick the right pair of sunnies for your eye protection. But let’s first understand why we need protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Why UV Protection for Sunglasses is Important
We might believe that sun rays can only damage our skin when exposed, but in fact, they are equally harmful to our eyes. Whether sunny or cloudy, UV rays can still sneak through and cause long-term damage like cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and photokeratitis.
Prolonged sun exposure slowly gives rise to these insidious eye conditions. Your best bet is to steer clear of them before they take hold.
Tips for Selecting the Best UV Protection Sunglass
According to the National Eye Institute, wearing a hat and good UV protection sunglasses are the best ways to shield your eyes from sun damage.
But choosing the sunglasses that are a real deal can be tricky. Fear not; we have got you covered with these informative tips on how to buy the best UV protection sunglasses.
Let’s get started.
1. Picking the Highest UV Protection
The first thing you need to be sure of is that your sunglasses have the highest level of protection. This UV protection can be in the form of adding a UV coating to the sunglasses or using lenses that have naturally incorporated UV protection.
Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection from UVA and UVB rays or are labeled UV400 in the frame. It is equivalent to sunscreens’ 100% UV absorption, and anything less than that won’t cut it.
If you have doubts about the mentioned label, you can always stop by the store or ophthalmologist. They usually have a meter that can detect the protective ability of the sunglasses.
2. Lens Color
We all think the darker the sunglasses are, the better they protect us from sun damage. Well, actually, that’s not the case, as the protection depends on the lens coating, which is usually transparent.
However, different lens colors can improve contrast and depth perception in different types of light. Such as
- Grey/Black: Keeps colors accurate while reducing the brightness; ideal for most outdoor activities.
- Brown/Amber: Great for driving and other outdoor activities; improves contrast and depth perception.
- Green: It’s a great color neutralizer, minimizes glare, and gives a nice contrast.
- Yellow/orange: These colors enhance visibility in low-light circumstances. So they are ideal for dawn or dusk activities like fishing and swimming.
While the choice of tint is always personal, gray or black will be the most effective in terms of protection from sunlight.
Want to make sure the sunglasses are dark enough? Wear them and stand in front of a mirror; if you can clearly see yourself, then those sunglasses aren’t dark enough.
3. Lens Quality
Lens quality and durability are the two sides of a coin that determine whether sunglasses are actually long-lasting. While looking for durable sunglasses, always go for high-quality plastic such as Polycarbonate lenses. They are known for their UV-blocking properties.
Scratch-resistant and impact-resistant coatings are also good options. These protective treatments safeguard your lenses against the everyday wear and tear of an active lifestyle, ensuring your shades look and perform their best for seasons to come.
4. Go Oversized
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, oversized sunglasses are best for eye protection. They cover the eyes the most and limit the UV potential to enter the delicate eye area.
So, going for oversized sunglasses or wrap-around ones, like ones worn by your favorite Hollywood stars, will make you look stylish and protect your eyes at the same time.
5. Polarization Can Be a Great Addition
Polarization can be a great additional factor when selecting UV-protection sunglasses. Even though the lenses with polarized features do not offer any UV protection, they serve as another barrier to reflected light and glare, which is great.
You can see better through them because they block off the wavelength responsible for glare, reflections, and extreme brightness.
6. A Higher Price Doesn’t Guarantee Better Protection
Among all the other factors, it is also important to note that just because a product is priced higher, it does not mean it offers the best protection against UV.
To avoid this, it is always best to read the product information and the labeling to confirm it offers UV protection. If this information is not available, then such sunglasses may not even have the required UV protection despite their lavish price.
So, it is better to opt for brands that offer credibility to standards of UV protection. Affordable branded sunglasses can be more useful than expensive ones if they have lenses blocking 100% of UV light.
7. Lifestyle
With all these different options in the market, you might get confused about which one to choose. But here’s a pro tip that can really simplify the process – just think about your lifestyle!
Knowing how you’ll primarily use your sunglasses is the key to zeroing in on the perfect features. For example, if you’re active and mostly outdoors, you’ll want frames and lenses designed for stability and coverage. But comfort and fashion might be your top priority if you’re after everyday looks.
In this way, you can cut through the confusion and find sunglasses that are a seamless fit. It’s such an easy way to ensure you end up with the right protection and look.
8. Read Reviews
When selecting sunglasses online, it pays a little more effort upfront. Rather than just ordering it from any random retailer, read reviews about them online and look for certifications like the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z80.3 UV standard.
You can also ask your eye doctor for some reputable sources.
Read Also: Best UV Blocker Umbrellas for Safe and Stylish Outdoor Fun
Conclusion
By considering all the above in mind, you can choose the best pair of UV protection sunglasses that align with your lifestyle and sun safety. Regularly wearing sunglasses that block UV rays is good for your eyes in the long run. Trust us, your future self will thank you for this!
So just don’t wait and grab your UV400 sunglasses and get that glorious vitamin D without worrying about your eyes.
Which of these sun-smart tips will you put into practice when selecting your next pair of UV protection sunglasses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
