Choosing Sunglasses That Are Both Cool and Smart

While it can be fun to try on the latest sunglasses, you should remember that they aren't a mere fashion accessory. In fact, you should wear sunglasses every day. Why? When you are young, you spend more time outdoors than the typical adult. This means your eyes are exposed to more ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

We all know that too much exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn. But sun exposure also can contribute to a number of serious eye problems that may not become apparent until you are much older.

Many studies suggest that UV rays cause cataracts. In one study of 838 fishermen, researchers concluded that individuals who did not wear sunglasses or brimmed hats had three times as many cataracts as those who did.*

UV radiation from sunlight also can damage the cornea. Even your eyelids are at risk because the delicate tissues around the eyes are more susceptible to UV-related skin cancer than other areas of the body. And some research suggests UV rays may also contribute to the development of pterygia, which are fibrous growths on the eye's conjunctiva that can invade the cornea and distort vision.

Choose sunglasses that block at least 90 percent of ultraviolet rays. Click on photo to see close-ups and style names for all sunglasses.

Some eye specialists are also concerned about short-wavelength visible light (sometimes called "blue light"), another component of sunlight. Blue light is similar to UV, but with slightly less energy. Long-term exposure to blue light may contribute to macular degeneration, the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 55.

Some situations will subject your eyes to more UV rays than others. Your eyes need extra protection during the summer, particularly at midday when UV rays are most intense. Also, be extra careful if you are vacationing in the Caribbean (and other tropical areas) or if you're skiing or mountain climbing. UV rays are more intense the closer you are to the earth's equator and the higher you go in altitute.

Tanning lamps also subject your body to high doses of UV radiation. Be sure to use the protective eyewear that the salon provides. Regular sunglasses don't provide adequate protection from the intense light and multi-directional UV rays in tanning booths.

Also, be aware that sunlight and UV rays "bounce" off reflective surfaces. Water is particularly reflective, so always wear sunglasses when you're boating or at the beach.

Other surfaces that reflect high amounts of UV rays include snow, sand (making beaches a double whammy), concrete, roadways, and glass.

Finally, many medications can make you extra sensitive to sunlight. Examples include antibiotics, antihistamines, sulfa drugs, some antidepressants, and birth control pills.
 

Do I need sunglasses if ...it's winter? ...it's cloudy? ...I have prescription glasses? ...I have UV-blocking contact lenses? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. UV rays are less intense in winter, but they can still be damaging. Same with cloudy days: UV rays can zip right through clouds, so protective sunglasses are important even on overcast and cloudy days.

If you wear regular glasses, get a pair of prescription sunglasses as well (or choose photochromic lenses for your eyeglasses). If you wear contact lenses, definitely get a pair of non-prescription sunglasses to wear with them. In addition to blocking UV rays, sunglasses shield your eyes from wind that can dry out your contacts, and keep windblown dust and debris from reaching your eyes. Even if your contacts block UV rays, you need to protect your whole eye, not just the part under the lens.

Page 2 of 2: UV protection, snazzy options, sunglass quality