Sunglasses may seem like just another fashion accessory and if you are the type of person who rolls out of bed without a second thought to their appearance then sunglasses are not an essential part of your wardrobe. It is a misperception that wearing shades is merely decorative; this so-called fashion accessory can actually protect you from UV rays and help to preserve your eyesight.
Wearing shades even at a young age could prove to be a long-term step to keeping your eyes and sight healthy. Choosing the right type of sunglasses is essential to making sure that you are getting enough protection from the sun.
Are You at Risk?
Some people are more at risk than others to the harmful rays of the sun. If you have cataracts or have had cataract surgery then eye protection is very important. Other conditions that also increase your sensitivity to UV rays are macular degeneration and retinal dystrophies. Talk to your doctor about how best to protect your eyes and what type of lenses you should have to ensure that your eyes are well protected.
The Darker the Better?
There is a myth that the darker your lenses are the better protected you are from UV rays. It seems logical that if your sunglasses were very dark and blocked a lot of light then you should be getting very good protection. The truth is that no matter how dark your sunglasses are it will be of no use if your lenses do not block UV rays by a 100%. Make sure that the shades you buy clearly state that they will protect you from UV rays.
What Should I Use for Sports?
If you play a lot of sports, particularly outdoors sports then you should not use any regular type of sunglasses. This is because you have an increased chance of breaking your frames on the field. This means buying frames and lenses specifically meant for sports.
This will avoid the unnecessary danger of frames and lenses breaking and injuring an eye. Depending on the type of sport you play there are different types of lenses that are preferred. Golfers for example prefer to use lenses that have a brown tint to them.
Child Safety
Children are at a higher risk than adults of sun damage to their eyes. This is because their eyes are more sensitive and children often spend more time in the sun than adults. This means that children should wear sunglasses from as early as possible to avoid early eye damage of any kind.
