he sun is one of the most important sources of energy for life on planet earth. But too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful to our eyes and vision. Even if we’re careful not to look directly at the sun, just being outside for extended periods can be enough to get sunburns on our eyes. Longterm, UV exposure can have cumulative effects on our vision, including increasing the risk of developing sight-threatening conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts. To protect your eyes from damaging UV rays, one of the best things you can do is invest in a pair of quality sunglasses that offer full UV protection. Here’s what you should consider when shopping for sunglasses.
Choose Sunglasses That Offer Full UV Protection
The first priority we should all have when choosing a new pair of sunglasses is making sure they offer full UV protection. All reputable sunglass retailers will list whether their sunglasses meet standards for blocking both UVA and UVB rays, so make sure you check before buying. You may also want to check whether your prescription glasses come with built-in UV protection, as many do these days. If not, you can ask your optometrist about getting lenses with an anti-reflective coating or special tinting that blocks out more light than regular lenses do.
Choose Sunglasses That Block Out Glare
Too much glare off reflective surfaces like water and snow can cause squinting and headaches—not to mention it makes it hard to see clearly! Polarized lenses are great at reducing glare, but keep in mind that they won’t block out all types of light (for instance, they don’t work well for night driving). If you wear polarized lenses during nighttime activities or while driving at night, it’s a good idea to carry an extra pair of non-polarized glasses just in case.
Other Tips for UV Protection
While wearing sunglasses is one way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, there are some other steps you can take as well: avoid looking directly at the sun; wear wide-brimmed hats; cover up exposed skin with clothing; and wear wraparound sunglasses whenever possible (they provide more coverage than regular frames). And don't forget that sunscreen isn't just important for your skin—it's also important for protecting your eyes!
Taking care of our eyes is essential if we want them to stay healthy over time. Investing in a good pair of sunglasses that offer full UV protection is one way we can protect ourselves from longterm damage caused by UVA and UVB exposure. Other tips include avoiding looking directly at the sun, wearing wide brimmed hats, covering up exposed skin with clothing, wearing wraparound glasses when possible and using sunscreen for additional protection. We Can Help You Find the Perfect Sun Protection Gear! If you’re not sure which sunglasses are best for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, reach out today – we'd love to help find you the perfect pair!
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