Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is not only fashionable but goes a long way toward protecting the health of your eyes; sunglasses protect the delicate skin in the eye area from premature signs of aging due to UV rays and sun damage.

Your eyes can get damaged by the sun just like your, but you can't protect your eyes with sunscreen! Your best defense is to wear protective UV blocking sunglasses, so as you slather on sunscreen to protect your skin, remember sunglasses to protect your eyes. The same harmful rays that damage skin can also increase your risk of developing eye problems.

In the short-term, people who spend long hours on the beach or in the snow without adequate eye protection can develop a reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition can result in temporary loss of vision. When sunlight reflects off of snow, sand and water, it further increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These invisible high-energy rays lie just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum.

Eyes regularly exposed to too much sun can develop serious and sometimes permanent damage. Ophthalmologists recommend wearing UV blocking sunglasses whenever you are in the sun long enough to get a sunburn or tan in order to avoid age related eye diseases, especially cataracts (cloudy formations on the lens inside the eye), and photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea, the surface of the eyeball). Too much sun exposure can also cause yellowed areas on the whites of the eye.

UV radiation in sunlight is commonly divided into UVA and UVB, and your sunglasses should block both forms. Don't assume that you get more UV protection with pricier sunglasses or glasses with a darker tint. Look for a label that specifically states that the glasses offer 99 percent to 100 percent UV protection or are rated UV 400. UV 400 protection lenses are engineered to block 100% of all harmful blue light with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Sunglasses should be dark enough to reduce glare, but not dark enough to distort colors and affect the recognition of traffic signals. Tint is mainly a matter of personal preference.

For greater protection from UV rays, larger sunglasses that are wraparound shaped are best because they protect more of the eye area and do not allow the light to get around the side of the lens into the eye. They can also help to protect the eyes from the wind as well as the sand, dirt, and pollen sometimes carried by the wind.

Sunglasses also help keep you safe while driving or playing sports in bright sun. Glare from the sun reflecting off snow, water, or other objects can be blinding and very hazardous while driving. Polarized lenses, such as those made by Oakley, Eagle Eyes, BluBlocker and more, are best suited for these situations because they reduce reflected glare from the sun, so whether you spend your time waterskiing or boating, in-line skating or mountain biking, driving or jogging, polarized sunglasses are an excellent choice.

In addition to providing comfort and health benefits, sunglasses can be a fun and fashionable accessory, so have fun choosing a variety of styles and colors to enhance your favorite ensembles and reflect your every mood.

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