Rays out, shades out!
Just as skin requires care and protection, so do your eyes – especially on dusty, bright days. A pair of sunglasses isn’t just a cool fashion accessory; it’s an instant shield against light and debris that can damage your eyes and your vision.
Sunglasses Basics
Overexposure to sun raises the risk of eye injury and for certain diseases like cancer, both for your skin and for your eyes. You can thank UVA and UVB radiation in sunlight for this and other damaging effects.
At just about any department store or gas station, you can find attractive shades for sale that will block all or nearly all of the sun’s most dangerous rays. Most sunglasses – even the cheapest sunglasses – will effectively defend against damage but check for labeling that specifies broad spectrum protection.
For an extra measure of safety, follow our advice, described below. These are some of the most common questions we get about sunglasses, along with tips on how to give your vision the best possible protection from the sun.
- Do I need sunglasses on cloudy days?
In terms of comfort, you don’t technically need sunglasses when it’s cloudy. However, even through an overcast sky, ultraviolet light can reach your eyes. Over time, the exposure can increase the risk of cataracts, eye cancer and other diseases.
On snowy days, you may even encounter “snow blindness” – a painful condition in which the sun’s extra-bright reflection on snow causes temporary vision loss. We recommend keeping sunglasses on hand year-round and wearing them any time there’s enough light for you to see well with your sunglasses on.
- Is high-quality sun protection expensive?
It can be but that’s up to the buyer. Designer shades can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, but there’s no need to spend that much. Sunglasses with full-spectrum UVB/UVA protection are widely available for a little as $5 – a small investment that pays big dividends for eye safety.
- What types of sunglasses offer the best protection?
Above all else, sunglasses must provide full UV light protection. Fortunately, they’re ubiquitous. To increase their effectiveness, opt for oversized or wrapped-frame glasses. These designs put up a physically larger barrier between the sun and your eyes, blocking more of the sun’s rays from shining around the frames.
Want the most appropriate protection for your unique eyes? Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They’ll help you choose sunglasses that are most effective for your vision and lifestyle.
Lake Lazer Eye Center offers up-front pricing and convenient and affordable payment plans for SoftTouch LASIK and the SMILE procedure. Dr. Khambati has helped thousands of Detroit LASIK patients and people from all over the world escape the restrictions of glasses and contacts. In the event that you’re not a candidate for vision correction, we’ll assist you with a contact lens evaluation or a selection of designer and specialty eyewear.
