THE IMPORTANCE OF WEARING SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses are highly recommended to be worn whenever outside in the sun to avoid the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun’s rays. These harmful UVA and UVB rays can lead to damage of the lens of the eye and of the macula (central area of the retina responsible for central vision) causing cataracts and macular degeneration. The best type of sunglasses which screen out 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays as well as intense glare are available with polarized gray, green or brown lenses in stylish frames from qualified optometrists.

Why Wear Sunglasses?

Sunglasses are important to wear to properly screen your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB radiation emitted by the sun. Exposure to these UV rays can increase the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, melanoma and certain cancers of the eyelids. To screen out these harmful UV rays, sunglasses should be worn which block 99 -100 % of UVA and UVB rays.

UV blocking sunglasses should indicate that they are UV 400 which means that the sunglasses lenses block UV rays as small as 400 nm (nanometers) which means there is 100% UV protection. Sunglasses should also be certified as blocking glare caused by 75 to 90% of visible light. They should ideally also have polarized lenses which filter out glare radiated up from horizontal surfaces.

About Prescription Sunglasses

  • Prescription sunglasses are best for those who are nearsighted, farsighted or need reading glasses and who normally wear eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Prescription sunglasses contain the patient’s corrective prescription in dark lenses which can be made of plastic, polycarbonate or a new lightweight material called Trivex
  • Gray sunglass lenses are considered the best for color recognition and to avoid distortion
  • Prescription clip-on sunglasses can be used over regular eyeglasses to provide glare and UV protection
  • Prescription sunglasses are also available for children and teenagers

Benefits of Wearing Prescription Sunglasses

  • Reduce risk of developing cataracts from harmful UV radiation
  • Reduce risk of keratokeratitis “sunburn of the eyes”
  • Reduce risk of development of macular degeneration of the retina (which causes loss of central vision and is the leading cause of blindness in the US)
  • Reduce risk of developing eyelid cancer or melanoma from excessive UV light exposure

Call Today for an Appointment for Prescription Sunglasses

Call our Carmel office at (317) 844-2020 or our Fishers office at (317) 790-2015 for an appointment for prescription sunglasses with your Carmel and Fishers optometrist Dr. Jeremy Ciano OD who has been recognized as one of “Americas Top Optometrists” in 2012 and 2016. Visit us to check out our wide range of stylish sunglasses frames from designers such as Gotti Switzerland and IC! Berlin.