1.Eye-Protecting Sunglasses Are Cool Again This Summer
2.Sunglasses for Sport
3.Choose Sunglasses that Look Great and Protect Your Eyes
Many Americans don't realize the dangers posed by UV rays
By Robert Preidt | 2007-5-28 |
The official start of summer this Memorial Day weekend is a great time to remember the danger to eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays, say experts at Prevent Blindness America.
"Most of us wouldn't dream of staying outside in the sun without putting on sunscreen lotion. But we also have to remember to wear both UV-blocking lenses and a brimmed hat to protect our eyes as well," Daniel G. Garrett, senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America, said in a prepared statement.
But a recent survey found that only nine percent of respondents were aware that extended sun exposure can damage vision, and only about 16 percent said they wear sunglasses when they're outdoors for long periods of time, according to the Chicago-based organization.
Only about a third of respondents said they wear a hat when they're out in the sun.
UV damage to eyes ... /50% unread/
Function or Fashion? What to wear on your eyes when you play.
Athletes wear sunglasses for the way they look as much as for the way they protect. With all the slick frames and interchangeable lens systems now available, it is hard to separate quality from fashion. You should not forget that as an athlete, sunglasses are necessary for keeping your eyes healthy and free from injury.
You may wonder if the sunglasses for specific sports really make a difference. Yes. Sport eyewear in general tend to be safer than regular sunglasses because the lenses and frames are made of polycarbonate, which won't shatter if struck and can give you the benefits of both sunglasses and protective eyewear. Also, certain lens colors can reduce glare and eye strain while they improve visual clarity and enhance details.
In addition to protecting the eyes from flying debris, glasses are an important protection against the damage of UV rays. Ultraviolet radiation has been linked to cataracts, benign growths on the eye's surface, cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes, and photokeratitis, (snow blindness) a temporary but painful sunburn of the eye's surface.
While sunglasses don't have to be expensive to offer good protection it is often hard to identify quality lenses. Besides a lack of uniform labeling by manufacturers, many buyers don't know what to look for and high price doesn't always mean high quality. Some inexpensive sunglasses have quality lenses, while some high-priced sunglasses have cheap lenses shoved into expensive frames.
Tips to identify high quality sunglass lenses:
- They block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B
- They screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light
- They match perfectly in color and absorption and are free of distortion and imperfection.
- Optimal lens colors are gray, which does not modify colors, green or brown
- Wrap-around frames provide added UV protection for bright environments
Other features of sunglasses can include polarizing lenses, which reflect glare from snow, water and roads and are good for skiers, boaters and cyclists. Photochromic lenses darken or lighten with the amount of light present and may be useful if weather conditions keep changing. Mirror coatings are best for intense glare (snow or water), and wrap-around frames block more glare, wind and debris around the sides of the eyes. Interchangeable lens systems are now quite common and allow you to change lens color to suit changing weather and lighting conditions.
Tips for buying sunglasses
- Don't be fooled by stick-on UV labels on lenses. The American Optometric Association offers a Seal of Acceptance to sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation. Look for this seal to be sure you are getting the maximum protection. You can also ask your optometrist before making an expensive sunglass purchase.
- To be sure non-photochromic lenses block enough light, try them on in front of a mirror. If you can see your eyes easily through the lenses, the lenses probably aren't dark enough.
- Hold the sunglasses at arm's length; look through them at a straight line in the distance, such as the edge of a door. Slowly move the lens across the line. If the straight edge distorts, sways, curves or moves, the lens has imperfections.
- The bottom line, according to the American Optometric Association, is to look for sunglasses that block 99 - 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays and 75 - 90 percent of visible light by looking for the AOA Seal of Acceptance, and select gray because it doesn't modify colors, so you'll see more clearly.
What You Need to Know About Sunglasses
There's such a huge selection of sunglasses styles, prices and features that sometimes it's hard to decide which pair is the best. Finding a pair of sunglasses you love is easier if you start thinking about your possible choices now, before you go shopping.
What should you look for in a pair of sunglasses? Three big things: good eye protection, comfort and a fantastic style.
Put UV protection on your must-have list
Your sunglasses must provide protection from ultraviolet radiation, a component of sunlight that contributes to eye disease. The FDA, the government agency that oversees sunglass manufacture and sales in the U.S., recommends you look for sunglasses with lenses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. The label should read either UV 400 or 100% UV protection.
About sunglasses lens materials
Sunglasses lens materials differ quite a bit.
Some area heavier than others and some types are more durable. Three materials are commonly used for sunglass lenses:
- Polycarbonate, a durable lightweight plastic.
- CR-39, a plastic used mostly in prescription-grade lenses.
- Glass, durable but much heavier to wear.
Sunglass lens tints and other coatings
UV filtering is one coating that's applied to sunglass lenses, but there are many others:
Sunglass Lens Tints
Colors are applied to sunglass lenses to help absorb light as it passes through them. The color you choose is a matter of personal taste, but there are a few important color-related benefits to consider.
- Gray lens tints reduce brightness, but do not distort color.
- Brown and amber tints reduce glare, including the glare created by the blue frequency in sunlight, which can make things appear hazy. Brown and amber tints distort colors more than gray tints do.
- Yellow lens tints reduce the haze from blue light better than browns, so they really sharpen up the view, but they cause more color distortion.
- Green tinted lenses reduce glare and help filter out some of the blue light. They provide good contrast between objects.
- Rose colored lenses might be a good choice if you participate in water sports or other outdoor activities, because they provide good contrast for objects viewed against blue or green backgrounds.
Should you buy sunglasses with polarized lenses?
Polarizing films applied to lenses help reduce the glare created when light bounces off of some objects, such as water, highways and other similar surfaces. I prefer polarized lenses, but it's a personal choice.
Watch for sunglasses with lens scratch resistance
A thin coating can be applied to lenses to make them more resistant to scratches. Plastic lenses scratch more easily than glass lenses.
Sunglasses with mirrored lenses
You've seen sunglasses with a mirror finish on the outside of the lenses. They're popular, but mirrored lenses scratch easily because the mirror finish is applied last.
Sunglasses with photochromatic lenses
Photochromatic (or photochromic) lenses become darker when exposed to UV radiation. The shift happens quickly as your surroundings change from bright to dim.
Buying sunglasses with anti-reflective coatings
Anti-reflective coatings reduce the reflection caused by light that hits the back side of lenses, keeping it from bouncing into your eyes.
Sunglass frame components
Sunglass frames are made from plastic, base metals, titanium, aluminum and many other materials. Try on lots of frame types to compare their weight and to find out which ones feel the best.
Children need sunglasses, too
Children need protection from UV radiation and glare, so take care when buying sunglasses for them. Forget about those flimsy little play sunglasses--get them something that will protect their eyes.
Sunglasses with extra eye protection
- Sunglass lenses that wrap around to your temples keep out more light and UV radiation than typical lenses.
- Toss on a wide brimmed hat for more protection from the sun. It'll help keep your skin healthy and younger looking.
Experts tell us that less squinting equals fewer wrinkles. Protect those eyes now!
Choose sunglasses that suit your style
Sunglass styles change every year, just like every other fashion, but the selections are so varied that no pair will ever really go "out" of style. And since sunglasses don't have to be expensive to be effective, you don't have to spend a fortune to develop a nice collection.
Designer and specialty sunglasses, like the kinds used for sports, cost more than most sunglasses, but you'll find all kinds of fashion glasses for sale at affordable prices. Watch the UV ratings carefully and you'll be fine.
Unless you already know which frame shapes look good on you, go shopping and try on as many styles as possible. If you can get
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