In one of my previous articles, I wrote about the importance of protecting the skin from the sun's rays. However, this time I want to draw your attention to the fact that it is equally important to protect your eyes. In this context, sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory, but also a means of protecting the eyes from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. After all, the sun's rays harm the eyes no less than the skin.
What are sunglasses for?
The main purpose of sunglasses is to provide UV protection to the eyes. Excessive exposure to it can lead to eye diseases and accelerate the aging of the skin around the eyes. Over the years, damage from the sun can provoke, for example, the development of cataracts, inflammation of the cornea, damage to the retina. Sunglasses help prevent this. In addition, they protect your eyes from wind, dust and strong light.
Who is recommended to wear sunglasses?
Only one correct answer is possible here – to all people without exception. Because it is easier to prevent negative consequences for the eyes than to treat them.
Particular attention should be paid to the selection of sunglasses for those people who are at risk and are most exposed to ultraviolet rays. For example, those who take certain types of neuroleptics, anti-inflammatory and diuretic drugs – their components directly affect the photosensitivity of your eyes, significantly increasing it. This also applies to those with light eyes, as they are more susceptible to radiation.
It is important to understand that low-quality sunglasses can be very dangerous for the eyes.
As I said, the most important thing in sunglasses is high-quality UV protection. Otherwise, the glasses will pass ultraviolet rays into the eyes. And this is much worse than not wearing sunglasses at all.
How to choose the right sunglasses?
The ideal option for sunglasses is 100% UV blocking. The degree of protection of the lens has its own marking, which is indicated on the temple of the glasses. The designation UV400 guarantees good protection, but UV380 is considered the minimum allowable. The lower the number on the label, the weaker the protection.
The color of the lenses of sunglasses can be different: black, brown, gray. Mirrored lenses do a great job of reflecting the sun's rays. But glasses with pink, blue, orange, green, yellow lenses do not cope with this function, so you can wear them as an accessory indoors or in cloudy weather.
Another important factor to consider when choosing glasses is the degree of lens tint. It is also stated either on the temple of the sunglasses or on their certificate, and falls into the following categories:
- 0 – transmission from 100% to 80% of light.
These include regular glasses with clear lenses, nighttime models for drivers, sports and safety glasses that are used in the absence of bright lighting.
- 1 – transmission from 80% to 43% of light.
Glasses with bright enough lenses that can be worn in the weak sun in the city or rather in cloudy weather.
- 2 – transmission from 43% to 18% of light.
These are medium tinted glasses, they are designed for moderately sunny weather, changeable clouds and are great for driving.
- 3 – transmission from 18% to 8% of light.
These glasses are a serious protection against bright light. Ideal for holidays in countries where there is a lot of sun, as well as for car enthusiasts.
- 4 – transmission from 8% to 3% of light.
Maximum tinted lenses protect against blinding light at sea and in snowy mountains. And they are no longer suitable for driving – it is difficult to distinguish the colors of a traffic light in them.
High-quality glasses a priori imply high-quality lenses. They can be made from glass or be organic. The first option is more resistant to scratches and other mechanical damage, but UV in such lenses is selectively blocked. The second option in this regard is more reliable and prevents UVA and UVB rays from entering the eyes. And they're light in weight, so you don't have to constantly feel that annoying heaviness on the bridge of your nose. And it is much more difficult to break them, which means they are less traumatic.
Polarized sunglasses are very good at blocking out glare. Such a coating reflects them as much as possible, saving the eyes from the bright sun on the sea or in the snowy mountains.
The color and shape of the frame depends on your preferences. For more protection from the sun's UV rays, choose frames with large lenses, wide temples, and form-fitting frames.
In conclusion, don't forget that glasses are needed, first of all, to protect your eyes.