Sunglasses are more than fashion statements

For most people, sunglasses are a stylish fashion accessory. Prior to purchase, customers' main concerns focus on the way the glasses look, comfort and price. However, many consumers overlook what eye doctors consider the most important factor - protection from ultraviolet radiation.
&#8220While most people understand the link between the sun's damaging rays and skin cancer, many are not aware of the connection between ultraviolet radiation and eye damage,” says Marc Werner, MD, an ophthalmologist at Stahl Eye Center, with offices in Manhattan, Garden City and Hauppauge, Long Island.
&#8220The depletion of the ozone layer has allowed higher levels of UV radiation to reach us, so it's more important than ever to protect our skin - and our eyes,” Werner notes. &#8220We put sunblock on our body, but we forget the eyelids, and they are prone to skin cancer, too. Sunblock around the eyes can cause irritation, but sunglasses with an adequate UV block safeguard our eyes and eyelids the way sunscreen can protect our skin.”
Mounting evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to UV radiation over the years can contribute to the development of eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. &#8220The effects of UV radiation on the eyes are cumulative. Damage today leads to vision problems later on,” according to Thierry Hufnagel, MD, another ophthalmologist at Stahl Eye Center. &#8220That's why we should protect our eyes starting at an early age.”
Sun exposure has also been linked to an abnormal growth on the corner of the eye near the nose called a pterygium. Although non-cancerous, it can partially block vision and sometimes requires surgery to be removed.
Excessive exposure to UV light can also cause more immediate damage, such as a corneal burn. Just one day at the beach without proper eye protection can cause a temporary, but painful burn to the surface of the eye, similar to sunburn on the skin. This can lead to temporary vision loss.
&#8220People should be mindful of reflected sunlight, which can be particularly dangerous,” Hufnagel warns. UV light radiates directly from the sun, but it is also reflected from the ground, water, sand, snow and other bright surfaces.
Sunglasses that block harmful UV-A and UV-B rays should be worn anytime someone is outdoors, even in the winter and even if it is not very sunny, according to Werner.
Generally, it isn't necessary to buy expensive sunglasses to get the protection one needs, he says. Less costly brands with labels that indicate 99-100 percent UV-A and UV-B protection generally block harmful rays as well as designer labels. Anyone who wants to make sure their sunglasses have adequate protection can have them tested by a machine called a photometer in an ophthalmologist's or optician's office.
As for the lens color, it does not affect how well they protect your eyes from UV light. Even light-colored lenses can do the trick, but gray and brown lenses distort colors the least.
Stahl Eye Center offers this advice to protect your eyes:
READ THE LABELS.Look for sunglasses whose labels state 99-100 percent protection from UVA and UVB light. Some labels say &#8220UV400 protection,” which refers to wavelength and blocks all harmful rays.
CHOOSE LENSESthat are large enough to shield the eyes from most angles.
WEAR WRAP-AROUNDsunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or cap, if you will be out in the sun for a prolonged period or work outdoors.
CONSIDER PURCHASINGdaily eyewear, such as prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, with UV-blocking lens materials. However, even if you are wearing contact lenses with UV protection, you still need to wear sunglasses, because the contact lens does not protect the entire eye.
MAKE SURE CHILDRENalways wear sunglasses. They are at special risk from the harmful effects of UV rays, since their eyes do not have the same ability as adults to protect from UV radiation. Make sure they are well fitted and are not damaged. Have your child wear a wide-brimmed hat along with the sunglasses for extra protection.