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| Independent/Barrett Stinson |
| Even when the sun isn’t shining, sunglasses protect your eyes from the effects of UV rays. Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays as well as 75 to 90 percent of visible light. |
| By Meredith Gardner meredith.gardner@theindependent.com |
With their variety of shapes, frames, colors and sizes, many people see wearing sunglasses as a perfect way to make a fashion statement.
But area optometrists say it’s really what you can’t see about the sunglasses that matters most.
Although it can be easy to forget, wearing adequate eye protection to protect from the sun’s rays is just as important as wearing sunscreen, said Dr. Chad Hudnall, an optometrist at Family Eyecare Center in Grand Island.
“I think people know that they should wear their sunglasses, but I do think that it’s sometimes overlooked,” Hudnall said. “Sunglasses are always very helpful for the overall health of the eye.”
Whenever spending time outdoors, adults, teenagers and children should wear sunglasses with lenses covered in a clear, colorless coating that protects against 99 percent to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B sun rays.
Some sunglasses will indicate a “UV 400″ designation, indicating they provide sufficient protection from ultraviolet rays, said Dr. William Glassbrenner, an optometrist at ShopKo.
The darkness or color of the lens tint has no effect on UV protection, but it’s important for people to try on glasses and ensure the lenses don’t distort or dramatically change the color of objects, Hudnall said.
People who wear sunglasses without UV protection could risk doing more harm to their eyes than good, said Dr. Jason Langford, an optometrist at Eyecare Professionals.
Sunglasses meant for fashion only can cause the pupils to dilate, which can allow more harmful rays into the eye, he said.
Damage to the eye from UV rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, skin cancer around the eyes and even cancer inside the eyes.
Quality sunglasses are easy to find, Langford said, and more costly pairs do not necessarily provide better protection than inexpensive ones.
Many optometrists have equipment that can test lenses for UV protection if a person is unsure about the adequacy of an existing pair, Glassbrenner said.
And while many people aren’t bothered by brightness and glare, it’s still important to find the right shades and wear them on a regular basis, he said.
“It’s still best from a long-term health point of view to get in the habit of wearing sunglasses outdoors,” Glassbrenner said
Source: http://www.theindependent.com/stories/07202007/new_main20.shtml
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