Sunny days are great, but ultraviolent rays? Not so much. And while so many of us know we need to be diligent about protecting our skin when we head outside on a bright day, not quite so many are conscious of the toll that too much UV light can have on their eyes.
It’s one of the reasons that a high-quality pair of sunglasses makes all the difference. Sure, wearing shades makes you a lot more comfortable and makes it easier for you to see. But they’re also protecting your eyes from ultraviolent damage that can cause both short-term and long-term problems.
If you’re investing in a pair of sunglasses, make sure you look for a pair that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation, both of which can cause damage that leads to macular degeneration and cataracts. You can also suffer sunburn of your corneas, also known as photokeratitis, a condition characterized by pain and temporary vision loss. The American Optometric Association notes that there is no definitive amount of exposure to solar radiation that is known to cause damage, so you should be careful any time you are outside.
Ideally, your sunglasses should be large enough to provide coverage of your entire eye. Wraparound styles are even better, as they will stop the sun’s rays from getting in around the side of the lens. It’s important to note that dark lenses don’t block out more sunlight, nor do polarized lenses.
And don’t think that you have to sink a lot of money into expensive sunglasses. A cheap pair can provide UV protection just as well as a designer pair. You just need to make sure you’re checking the glasses for a tag or sticker saying they block out both UV-A and UV-B rays—something the American Academy of Ophthalmology notes only half of people shopping for sunglasses do before making a purchase.
And although summer is the time of year when you’re more likely to spend time out in the sun, those UV rays can cause just as much damage during the winter months, and people with light-colored eyes tends to be more sensitive. For maximum safety, avoid being outside too much when the sun is at its strongest, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., try to stay in the shade, and always wear a brimmed hat or visor.
