The weather is getting warmer, days are getting longer, birds are chirping. It's that time of year when we all want to get outside and be active! Don't forget to put on sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses before you go outside. UV light not only is harmful to your skin, but also can damage your eyes. Did you know that most UV damage happens to us before we are 18 years old? Protecting our eyes from the sun is not only important to make us more comfortable in bright light, but is also important for the health of our eyes. Sunglasses decrease the amount of light that comes into our eyes. As a result, our pupils get larger to let in more light, and consequently we become more susceptible to damage from the UV rays of the sun.
You should have a pair of sunglasses that absorbs both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays damage the macula of the eye. That's the part that we use to see fine detail and color. Damage from the sun's UVA rays can cause macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss for older adults. The UVB rays can affect the lens of the eye. Over time, spending time outdoors without proper eye protection can cause cataracts. So remember, before buying a new pair of sunglasses make sure that the lenses absorb 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays!
Polarized lenses cut the reflections off surfaces like water, snow and the road. This makes it much easier to see when doing certain activities like boating, skiing, and biking. But did you know that this technology is not only useful for outdoor enthusiasts, but also for anyone who drives? We all know the experience of driving into blinding glare off the road. Stop by our office for a demonstration to experience the difference between sunglasses with polarized lenses and those without. See how polarized lenses can enhance your vision.
Finally, a nice option for some people are photochromic lenses which are clear indoors, and then get darker when exposed to the UV light outside. Transitions lenses are great for people who wear prescription glasses and don't want to switch to a pair of prescription sunglasses when they go outside. These lenses are also great for kids since they not only make it more comfortable to be outside, but also protect your child's eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Because the effects of the sun's damaging rays are cumulative, it's never too early or too late to start protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. So get outside and enjoy the weather-and remember to protect your family's eyes with a good pair of sunglasses!
