Choosing the right Sunglasses

With the amount of benefits they serve, Sunglasses are no longer just a fashion accessory. They are important for protection of your eyes against the damaging rays of the sun. They can be used to improve your vision and at the same time make a unique fashion statement. Learn about the right type of sunglasses through the pointers given below:

Protection from UV Rays

Choose glasses that block around ninety percent of ultraviolet rays. This is the most important feature of your sunglasses, and you should always choose sunglasses that provide this protection. Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula, pterygia and photokeratitis that can cause temporary vision loss. Almost all sunglasses block a portion of HEV (High energy visible) rays, but some tints block more blue light than others. Blue-blocking sunglass lenses usually are bronze, copper or reddish-brown in color. And for the maximum results, it should be a daily habit. Like sunscreen, sunglasses should be worn whenever you’re outdoors, year round.

Use of Impact-resistant lenses

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 the ones with a scratch-resistant coating.

Choosing the right size and fit

To prevent light from hitting your eyes from overhead, choose a pair that fits close to your face around the brow area, but not so close that your eyelashes are touching the lenses. Sunglasses with large lenses and wide temples provide the next-best protection.

Wear swimming goggles

They are needed to protect your eyes from water-borne bacteria or chemicals. Make sure the goggles block UV rays as well, since sunlight reflects off water and can increase the exposure.

Quality of the Lenses

Most sunglasses, coated with UV blockers, block the ultraviolet rays, but the cheaper ones may cheat a little on this. Eye care experts agree that price isn’t a gauge of UV protection. But very inexpensive sunglasses are likely to contain lenses that are stamped out of a mould rather than ground and polished, and that can affect optical quality.*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.

*The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of Centre for Sight.