With summer’s stronger ultraviolet (UV) rays, Park Slope Eye suggests taking extra measures to maintain your visual health. One of the best ways to do so is to wear high-quality sunglasses when going outdoors. Let your go-to family eye care provider share some tips when choosing a good pair of sunglasses.
Check the UV Label
When looking for your perfect pair of sunglasses, the first thing you should look for is its UV protection features. UV radiation has been positively linked to eye sunburns, cataract development and pterygia formation. Most of the time, sunglasses are labeled with 100% UV protection or UV400 to indicate they can optimally block UVA and UVB rays. This can significantly lower your risk of developing UV-induced eye conditions.
The Bigger, the Better
Your reliable eye doctor suggests choosing oversized sunglasses. Apart from being fashionable, they can also provide better coverage, restricting the amount of UV rays that might enter your eyes. It may be a good idea as well to combine them with wraparound frames to ensure UV rays won’t come through the sides.
Heavily-Tinted or Colored Lenses Don’t Always Mean Enhanced Protection
A common misconception about sunglasses is that the darker their lenses, the better UV protection they provide. This is not necessarily the case all the time. Sunglasses in different colors or those which are heavily coated may be great at enhancing color contrast or cutting glare. That said, they may be lacking UV-blocking features. It’s still best to check the UV protection label or have one of your expert optometrists evaluate the pair for you.
Choose Appropriate and Durable Lens Materials
This season’s warm, sunny weather makes it a good time to try those outdoor sports or other recreational activities you’ve been eyeing. For your optimum performance, we suggest choosing sports sunglasses that are made of polycarbonate. They are specially engineered to withstand high loads of pressure and extreme conditions, reducing their risk of breaking easily. This way, you’ll have superior optics, UV blockage and eye care protection while you play.
If you need help looking for a great pair of sunglasses, complete our form, or send us a message to request an appointment. We serve Brooklyn, Park Slope and surrounding NY communities.
