Sensibly Smart Sunglasses

In Rochester, as we enjoy the long summer days in the sun, it’s wise to consider the way we protect our eyes. High-SPF sunscreen, hats, and UV protective clothing protect our skin from sun damage and go along naturally with our sunglasses. But have you stopped to think about your sunglasses as UV protection for your eyes?UV radiation can be the cause of some serious eye problems. Cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, painful sunburns of the cornea (photokeratitis) are some examples. UV radiation can also cause damage to the eye's lens and other parts of the eye. We should all get into the habit of wearing sunglasses whenever we are outdoors, even in the shade, or during the winter. Even people who wear UV-blocking contact lenses should still wear protective sunglasses.

At Rochester Eye & Laser Center, our main focus is to help our patients improve their vision and maintain their eye health. This includes being savvy about your sunglasses. Be sure to examine the “fine print” about UV protection on labels and then choose shades that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection. And here’s an important tip -- the color and darkness of the lenses have no impact on the amount of UV protection the sunglasses actually provide. You'll also want to consider frames that wrap around and cover the sides of your eyes. These offer the best protect from those harmful UV rays. 

It’s also not safe to assume that just any sunglasses will protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. If you are unsure about your current sunglasses, talk to your optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist to determine if you are getting the best protection available. Sunglasses that provide the kind of protection you need are well worth the investment. Then you can revel in those fun in the sun days, while keeping your eyes healthy.