What a beautiful time of year in Western Pennsylvania. As we all emerge from the winter blues, there’s a need to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Who doesn’t want to enjoy outdoor activities again and attend our kids’ ball games?
But wait!
All those outdoor activities don’t come without risk.
Yeah, that sounds like a build-up to something really scary. It’s not. What it is meant to do, though, is get your attention. Did it work?
Great!
But what’s all this about the risks of being outside? Heck, you go outside every day. So, what’s the big deal?
The big deal is the sun. Unfortunately, many people don’t think about how being outside could be harmful and what that has to do with the sun. Well, we’re going to tell you.
Potential Damage to Your Eyes from the Sun’s UV Rays
People frequently seek protection for digital eye strain, but not from the sun (which makes no sense). However, the sun and the UV radiation it produces can negatively affect your eyes. UV radiation can lead to a bunch of eye issues.
Take a look at the following conditions that can result from too much UV exposure. Protect your eyes accordingly (more about that in a moment).
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some of the issues caused by unprotected eyes are as follows:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Eye cancer
- Nearsightedness
- Pterygium (growths on the surface of your eye)
- Photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea)
Eye-Opening Statistics on the Use of Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses can significantly reduce your risk of UV-related eye damage. Here are some interesting statistics.
~ Only 40% of Americans wear sunglasses. And they tend to prioritize fit and affordability over UV protection (go figure).
~ Only 30% of people wear sunglasses with full UV protection. The others wear cheap, dark-tinted sunglasses with unknown UV protection. Probably because they incorrectly believe that the tint is the same as UV protection. And it’s not!
~ Sunglasses with UV400 protection block almost 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
~ The larger the sunglasses, the better protection from the sun you’ll have.
UV Protection Categories for Rating the Effectiveness of Sunglasses
- Category 0 – Blocks 3-20% of UV rays. Not sufficient for effective eye protection.
- Category 1 – Blocks 20-57% of UV rays. Enough protection for cloudy days only.
- Category 2 – Blocks 57-82% of UV rays. Enough protection for overcast days only.
- Category 3 – Blocks 82-92% of UV rays. Perfect for standard bright sunlight conditions.
- Category 4 – Blocks 92-97% of UV rays. Provides the maximum UV protection possible. Great for especially bright conditions. Always opt for this category of protection whenever possible.
Interesting Study on the Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on the Eyes
A cross-sectional study was performed in Jordan to determine awareness and knowledge of the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the eyes. And the relevant protective practices. It’s an interesting read. You might want to look it over. It was published by PMC PubMed Central.
How to Protect Your Eyes from the Sun’s UV Radiation
Many people don’t realize that the clouds don’t block UV light. The sun’s rays can easily pass through the clouds and just about any haze. So you shouldn’t have a false sense of security on cloudy days. Your eyes still need UV protection. The sun is at its strongest between midday and the early afternoon.
When outside, it’s best to wear a broad-brimmed hat. And the best advice we can give you about protecting your eyes while outside is to invest in UV protection sunglasses.
But that doesn’t mean running out and buying just any old pair of sunglasses. There’s a bit more involved than you realize when it comes to buying sunglasses with UV protection. And expensive doesn’t always equal better protection.
So, let’s take a deep dive into learning how to buy sunglasses with UV protection.
What You Need to Know Before Buying Your Next Pair of Sunglasses
When it comes to the best sunglasses for eye health, there are plenty to choose from. However, there are a few things you need to consider when learning how to choose sunglasses.
- Always Read the Label
When looking for UV protection sunglasses, look for labels that state the sunglasses have 100% UV protection or UV400. These numbers indicate the sunglasses will block all harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. And that includes both UVA and UVB rays. Both of these can damage your eyes.
UV400 protection is simply an indicator that the sunglasses block UV light up to 400 nanometers, providing the absolute maximum protection. UV400 is the highest possible protection you can get.
One of the biggest misconceptions about sunglasses is that the darker the lens, the better the protection. However, the tint in the sunglasses really has very little to do with protecting your eyes. That’s why you need to look for the UV protection number or the term UV400 on the label.
- The Difference Between Tint and UV Protection
When it comes to sunglasses, the tint has absolutely nothing to do with their UV protection. In fact, UV protection doesn’t have any color. The tint, whether it be light or dark, only protects your eyes from the brightness of the sun. It doesn’t have anything to do with UV protection.
It’s a common misconception that many people think that just because they are wearing sunglasses and those sunglasses keep their eyes from experiencing the glare of the sun, they are protected. And that’s just not the case!
Polarized vs Mirrored Sunglasses: What’s the Difference?
You’ve probably seen sunglass labels that boast “polarized.” Or, you notice that the lenses look mirrored and assume that those sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays. But they don’t.
Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare, especially from flat surfaces like roads or water. This is why polarized sunglasses are so popular when it comes to driving, fishing, or spending time near snow or sand. However, polarization doesn’t increase the UV protection. But it does make bright environments more comfortable for your eyes.
Mirrored sunglasses have a reflective coating that reduces the amount of light that can enter your eyes. They are great for extremely bright conditions. They add a cool, modern touch to your look. However, mirrored sunglasses don’t provide any UV protection either.
So, how do you choose?
Well, if you spend a lot of time outdoors or on the road, polarized lenses might be better for you. If you spend a lot of time in high-glare settings like the beach, mirrored sunglasses might be better. Just make sure whatever you choose has 100% UV protection.
Fortunately, Klingensmith’s Drug Stores carries both polarized and mirrored sunglasses (with UV protection). And if you have any questions, just ask the pharmacist.
- Higher Price Doesn’t Always Mean Better Protection
Affordable UV protection sunglasses at Klingensmith’s Drug Stores, in most cases, can offer just as much UV protection as the expensive designer options. So, if you’re wondering how to choose sunglasses with UV protection, it’s simple. Buy the best sunglasses you can afford. Just make sure you read the label first.
What’s Next?
Don’t put off getting some decent sunglasses with UV protection for another day. A quick trip to any one of the Klingensmith’s Drug Stores is all it takes. We carry a wide variety of stylish UV protection sunglasses.
And, if you need some help finding just the right pair, any one of the staff members (or the pharmacist) would be happy to help! Come on by and grab some 100% UV protection sunglasses so that you can safely enjoy all the beauty Western Pennsylvania has to offer!
