What Sunglass Lenses Best Protect Vision?

Summer is approaching fast; as usual, it is never too early to go shopping for a pair of sunglasses. One of the factors that guide people in choosing the right sunglasses is style. However, it would be best to consider other factors when choosing a pair.

The summer atmosphere is great especially if you spend time outdoors. The lovely weather is excellent for a lot of outdoor activity, but it also comes with exposure to UV rays. Long-term exposure to UV rays is dangerous for your eye health and vision.

Sunglasses With UV Protection

UV protection is the primary feature that your sunglasses should have during summer. Not only during summer, but anytime you go out, you should have sunglasses with UV protection. UV protection is essential because exposure to UV rays has both long-term and short-term effects. 

One of the effects of UV exposure is eye sunburn or photokeratitis, which is a short-term effect. Long-term effects like the development of cataracts and macular degeneration have worse outcomes. 

Fitting

Have you ever bought a pair of sunglasses that do not fit? You know how annoying it is to get those light spills through the sides. When shopping for a pair, ensure that it fits nicely over your field of vision. Please get wraparound sunglasses because they cover your entire field of vision. Also, they will offer additional protection from debris, wind, and other allergens.

Complete Protection

When you get UV glasses, you need a pair that protects you from UVA and UVB. You need not pay a premium because they are available in all price ranges. UV sunglasses are not expensive, but you need to find a supplier with a good reputation. When you find a reputable store, pick the pair with the highest UVA and UVB protection. You will find this information on the tag attached to the glasses. 

If you have diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration, it would be best to choose brown or amber lenses. Amber and brown enhance the contrast of what you see, allowing you to see better. But even as you choose color, you should emphasize high UV protection.

Sunglasses for Driving

As we age, we become more uncomfortable with direct sunlight due to our pupils growing larger. In turn, our eyes become more sensitive to light, affecting our driving and other activities. When you are driving, it would be best to have polarized lenses. Polarized lenses are very effective in reducing glare. Reducing glare is especially important if you have had laser eye surgery for refractive errors like LASIK. The best lenses are yellow, green, or grey because they minimize distortion. 

Sunglasses for Kids

Some eye doctors recommend that kids as young as six months old wear sunglasses in the sun. Also, according to the Vision Council of America, damage from UVA and UVB is cumulative over your lifetime. Therefore, teaching your children to wear sunglasses when they go out is essential.

For more on what sunglass lenses best protect vision, call Coers Family Eyecare, PC, at (812) 408-8400 to reach our office in Columbus, Indiana.