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What Kind of Sunglasses Should I Wear to Protect My Eyes?

Do you wear sunglasses every day, or do you only sport them during the summer? Do you know if you are wearing the right one for your eyes? Surveys reveal that most Americans claim to wear sunglasses. However, more than a quarter rarely or never wear them. This is quite alarming, as 25% of Americans are placing the health of their eyes at risk.

You may ask “what kind of sunglasses should I wear to keep my eyes safe and healthy?” Continue reading below as we try to bring clarity to this serious but often-taken-for-granted question.

Sunglasses: Why You Need to Wear a Pair

Before we dive into what to look for when choosing a pair of sunglasses, let us first tackle the importance of sunglasses.

There are several reasons why you should wear sunglasses, but the more important truth is that you should use them even if it’s not yet summer. Here are some of the main reasons why:

UV Protection

First and foremost, sunglasses offer protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays (we will discuss more of this later). Both can cause different kinds of eye problems.

Extensive exposure to these harmful rays can cause serious long-term problems. These problems include cataract and macular degeneration. UV rays can also result in corneal sunburn and pterygium. 

In the worst cases, exposure can lead to skin cancer.

By wearing a pair of sunglasses, you can reduce the impact of UV rays.

Vision Clarity

Another benefit is you’ll be able to see more clearly. Wearing the right pair of sunglasses can improve your outdoor experience. Moreover, it can also help you see better when driving. 

Sometimes, the sun is too bright that it causes a dangerous glare.

With a pair of sunnies, you can reduce, if not eliminate this glare. You can see better on the road and reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, sunglasses can also reduce the incidence of headaches and migraines.

Faster Recovery

If you already underwent corrective surgery on the eyes, wearing sunglasses is a must. A pair of sunnies can protect your eyes from the sun and other outdoor elements, helping you heal faster.

What Kind of Sunglasses Should I Wear?

Now that you know the benefits of wearing sunglasses, it is time to answer the question “what kind of sunglasses should I wear?” But before you purchase, it is best to see an eye expert first for a comprehensive eye exam.

This is important especially if you noticed that your eyesight is no longer as clear as before. As for the sunglasses, here are the most important characteristics you must look for.

UVA and UVB Protection

We mentioned earlier that two types of UV rays may damage your eyes: UVA and UVB. The UVA comes with longer wavelengths that easily pass through glass.

However, the eye experts still disagree if the UVA does cause extensive damage to the eye or not. Nevertheless, it is always wise to be cautious than to be sorry in the end. 

As for the UVB rays, they present the most danger to the eyes. However, they cannot pass through glass. This makes wearing sunnies very important, especially during the summer.

Hence, you need to pick sunglasses that effectively block UVA and UVB light. With so many shops offering sunnies with UV protection, it is a must that you only get from reputable manufacturers. You want to go for one that offers the highest UVA/UVB protection level.

Check the sunglasses and read the print on the tag. The tag must indicate the level of UVA and UVB protection you are getting. 

Additionally, you want to go for one that comes with polarized lenses. These lenses provide comfort by reducing glare. This is important especially when you’re driving and the sun’s bright light reflects on various surfaces. 

Go for Wrapped Styles

Apart from the UV protection and the lenses, you also need to find the right frame for your sunnies. Thus, go for sunglasses with frames that come in wrapped styles. These are the frames that fit more snuggly against your face. 

Aviators do look fashionable, but their frames do not offer ample protection. Because they sit far from your face, more light can reach your eyes through the sides, top, and back of the frame. 

Don’t Go Flat

You should also pick sunglasses that don’t come with flat lenses. Much like the frames of aviators, flat lenses present an opening for light to reach your eyes. 

Since they are flat, light can pass through the sides, as well as the back and top of the sunnies. Hence, pick something that comes with curved lenses.

Bigger is Better

Since we are looking for the most coverage and protection for your eyes, try to go for bigger sunglasses. Also, you want something that fits you perfectly. Make sure the sunglasses don’t touch your eyelashes.

What you want is something that lines up with your eyebrows. 

The Shape of Your Face Counts

Though protection for UV rays is your priority, it doesn’t mean you should neglect aesthetics. Hence, go for something that complements your face. 

If you have a square face, go for sunnies with rounded frames. If you have a rounded face, rectangular sunglasses will give you the look that you need. 

Mind the Colors

Last but not least, you should also go for the right colors. If you have diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration, go for brown or amber lenses. These colors can improve your vision, as they effectively enhance contrast.  

Improve Your Vision, Today!

Answering the question “what kind of sunglasses should I wear” is important to keep your eyes healthy. But maintaining the health of your eyes also involves eating right and having regular check-ups with an eye expert.

If you are having problems with your eyes, we can help clear things up for you. Connect with us today and book an appointment. Our team of qualified optometrists will be more than happy to check on your eyes. 

Let’s improve your vision today!

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