Spring has officially sprung! As we move into the longer days and stronger UV rays, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of wearing premium sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

We say it often because it’s important for your visual health: Just as you wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, you need to wear sunglasses every day to protect your eyes from the sun. Not only do sunglasses provide crucial protection from the sun’s damaging effects, but they can also improve your visual acuity, enhance your visual comfort, and even contribute to your overall style and fashion.

Sunglasses Help Prevent UV Damage to Eyes

UV radiation is a well-known cause of skin cancer, but did you know it can also lead to a number of serious eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, cancer of the eyelid, and even corneal sunburn? Ouch! These conditions can cause permanent vision damage — for example, macular degeneration (caused by damage to the retina) is a leading cause of blindness.

Your eyes are exposed to the sun’s UV rays every day, yet many of us don’t take the necessary precautions to protect them. The sun’s rays contain two types of UV radiation that reach the earth’s surface and can damage eyes: UVA rays have longer wavelengths that penetrate deeper into the eye, causing long-term damage to the retina, which is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths that cause immediate damage to the cornea and the lens, leading to cataracts and other eye conditions.

Be sure you wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection to block both UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection are your first line of defense to block both damaging types of solar radiation. We also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat to further protect eyes on bright, sunny days.

Not All Sunglasses Are Created Equal

It’s a fact: Not all sunglasses are created equal. While some lower-cost sunglasses may claim to provide UV protection, they may not provide adequate protection or may not be made with high-quality materials. In addition, some lower-cost sunglasses may not offer the same level of durability as higher-quality sunglasses, which can result in scratches and other damage that can reduce their effectiveness over time.

Premium sunglasses are an essential investment in your eye health and overall well-being. Here are 3 reasons to wear premium sunglasses this sun season—and all year through!

1. Improve your visual acuity. Don’t squint your eyes or try to cover the sun’s glare by putting your hand up. Instead, choose premium sunglasses with polarized lenses, which provide additional benefits including reduced glare and improved visual acuity in bright sunlight. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks light reflected off of flat surfaces, such as water, pavement, and snow. This can be particularly helpful for athletes or outdoor enthusiasts who require clear vision in bright sunlight.
2. Enhance your visual comfort and reduce eye strain. In addition to protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, premium sunglasses can also improve your visual comfort and reduce eye strain. Spending prolonged periods of time in bright sunlight can cause eye fatigue and strain, which can result in headaches, blurred vision, and other discomforts. Sunglasses with polarized lenses and anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare and improve visual acuity, making it easier to see in bright sunlight and reducing eye strain. Look for sunglasses made with high-quality materials, such as lightweight titanium, which can provide durability and hours of comfort. When you purchase premium sunglasses in our optical department, we will ensure that your sunglasses fit comfortably and securely on your face to provide optimal protection, ideal visual acuity, and maximum comfort.
3. Contribute to your overall style and fashion. The fun thing about sunglasses — dare we call them funglasses? — is that they’re not only beneficial; they’re fashionable. We will help you find and flaunt your style with eyewear that compliments your face shape and fashion sense. When you choose sunglasses that fit your personal style, you are more likely to wear them regularly. You may want to choose a pair for daily wear and another for special occasions. Your eyewear says a lot about you, and we’ll help you choose frames and options that maximize that message.

We recommend premium sunglasses to our patients who spend significant amounts of time outdoors, particularly those who engage in outdoor sports or activities. It’s important to wear sunglasses for everyday activities, such as driving or walking outdoors, as even brief exposure to sunlight can have negative long-term effects on your vision.

Come in to see us and begin a lifelong, healthy habit with a pair of premium sunglasses made to your exact specifications. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you select a pair of premium sunglasses that fit your visual needs and lifestyle.

You only get one pair of eyes, and your chance to protect them from UV damage starts today!