Summer Sunglasses

As summer ramps up you might be spending more time outside.  We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen for fun in the sun, but what about sunglasses?  Sunglasses aren’t just fashionable, they also help protect your precious peepers from harmful radiation.  Read on to find out why sunglasses are so important.  

According to the Mayo clinic, ultraviolet (UV) eye protection matters.  UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin of the eyelid, cornea, and other parts of the eye.  UV exposure contributes to the development of cataracts, growths on the eye, and possibly macular degeneration.  

Choosing the right sunglasses

Eco-friendly aviator sunglasses available on sophiessustainables.com

You can be stylish and protect your eyes at the same time.

To protect your eyes, choose sunglasses that:  

• Have  a UV400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label. These sunglasses block more than 99% of UVA and UVB radiation and provide the most protection against UV rays.
• Screen out 75%-90% of visible light
• Have lenses that are perfectly matched in color and free of distortions, imperfections, and scratches 

Interestingly, the color of the lenses and degree of darkness have nothing to do with the ability to block UV rays.  Lighter color lenses such as green, amber, red, and gray – can offer the same UV protection as very dark lenses.

Be aware that children should wear sunglasses that indicate the UV protection level. Toy sunglasses may not have UV protection; so be sure to look for the UV protection label.

Consider large, wraparound-style frames, which may provide more UV protection because they cover the entire eye socket.

Know that pricier sunglasses don’t ensure greater UV protection.

Even if you wear UV absorbing contact lenses, wear quality sunglasses that offer UV protection.

Even when you wear sunglasses, wearing a wide-brim hat and sunscreen can help further protect you from sun exposure.

In addition to protecting your eyes from harmful radiation it’s important to protect our environment from plastics.  Look for Eco-friendly sunglasses made from sustainable resources such as bamboo.  These sunglasses are fashionable, sustainable, and offer protection from UV radiation.