Sunglasses protect your eyes against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) light. They can help reduce the likelihood of headaches and migraines. Another reason your eye doctor recommends wearing them is that they can help lower the risk of vision-threatening eye conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
The more you know about sunglasses, the easier it will be to choose a pair that will meet your needs. Continue reading to learn what is and isn’t true about this eyewear.
Regardless of the weather, you need to wear sunglasses when going outdoors. UV exposure heightens your risk for cataracts, cancer and eye growths. Sunlight can also reflect from surfaces like snow and ice. You could suffer from photokeratitis or snow blindness, which causes severe eye pain without proper eye protection.
The larger the sunglass lens, the more protected your eyes will be from the sun. Ask your eye doctor about wraparound or oversized sunglasses. These types of eyewear are great for keeping UV rays from entering your eyes in all directions.
It’s a common misconception that children don’t need to wear sunglasses. People of all ages will benefit from wearing UV-blocking glasses. Younger ones are just as prone to sun-related eye problems as adults. Before heading outside, be sure your kids have their sunglasses on.
Another popular belief about sunglasses is that polarized lenses offer better protection from the sun. While these lenses can reduce glare from water, pavement and other surfaces, they don’t block more UV rays. It’s the same with darker sunglass lenses. Before purchasing a pair, check if they have a label indicating 100% UV-blocking capabilities.
Seeing your eye doctor regularly can help keep your eyes healthy and preserve your vision. At Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic, we specialize in vision health and eye care. Call us at (425) 771-8472 (Lynnwood) or (425) 485-0430 (Bothell), or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving patients in Kirkland and Redmond, WA.