They may be great fashion accessories but, more importantly, sunglasses are of extreme importance when it comes to maintaining good eye health
Q: Why do we need sunglasses?
Sunglasses can help your eyes in two important ways. They enhance the normal light-filtering capabilities of your eyes and they protect against the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays that cause amongst other conditions cataracts and retinal dysfunction. Good sunglasses will reduce glare, filter out 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, provide visual protection, be comfortable and not distort colors.W
Q: Who is at risk for eye problems caused by UV light?
Everyone-even a child-is at risk. No one is immune to sunlight-related eye problems. People who are at higher risk of developing problems from UV rays include those who spend long hours in the sun because of work or recreation, those who have had cataract surgery and individuals who have certain retinal disorders. Also, some people are more sensitive to UV rays, including those who take certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers that increase the eye's sensitivity to light.
Reasons to Wear Sunglasses
1.) UV Protection. The sun's UV radiation can cause cataracts; benign growths on the eye's surface; and photokeratitis, sometimes called snow blindness, which is a temporary but painful sunburn of the eye's surface. Wide-brimmed hats and caps can block about 50 percent of UV radiation from the eyes but optometrists say that is not enough protection.
2.) Blue-Light Protection. Long-term exposure to the blue and violet portion of the solar spectrum has been implicated as a risk factor for macular degeneration, especially for individuals that are “sun sensitive.”
3.) Comfortable vision. The sun's brightness and glare interferes with comfortable vision and the ability to see clearly by causing people to squint and the eyes to water.
4.) Dark adaptation. Spending just two or three hours in bright sunlight can hamper the eyes' ability to adapt quickly to nighttime or indoor light levels. This can make driving at night after spending a day in the sun more hazardous.
5.) Skin Cancer. Cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes is more common than people think. People should wear sunglasses outdoors whether they are working, driving, participating in sports, taking a walk, running errands or doing anything in the sun.
Five Tips for Healthy Eyes
1.) Wear protective eyewear any time your eyes are exposed to UV light, even on cloudy days and during winter months.
2.) Look for quality sunglasses that offer good protection. Sunglasses should block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation and screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
3.) Check to make sure your sunglass lenses are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions and imperfections.
4.) Purchase gray-colored lenses. They reduce light intensity without altering the color of objects, providing the most natural color vision.
5.) Don’t forget protection for children and teenagers. They typically spend more time in the sun than adults.
