When it comes to your eyes…don’t let inadequate shades cause more harm.
You may think because your cheap sunglasses are darkening your surroundings, they must be working…think again! One major purpose of sunglasses is to block harmful invisible ultraviolet light (UV). Exposure to UV light can have short-term side effects, but the long-term effects can cause cataracts and other vision problems.
Wearing cheap sun glasses can actually cause more harm to your eyes versus wearing nothing.
Your eyes have the amazing ability to adjust in different light settings. In bright lit areas, your pupils (the part of the eye that allows light into the eye) decreases in size to avoid overexposure. In dimly lit areas, your pupils increase in size to allow more light to reach the retina.
Wearing sunglasses makes your eyes think they are in low light, thus making the pupils large. If the sunglasses you are wearing don’t provide proper UV protection, more of those harmful rays will reach your eyes versus wearing no protection at all.
What to Look For When Purchasing Sunglasses
The next time you need a pair of sunglasses keep these tips in mind! Sunglasses with UV protection will have a tag or sticker that denotes at least one of the following:
– blocks 99-100% UVA and UVB rays or provides UV 400 protection– complies with ANSI Z80.3 quality standards
If the tag does not provide the specifics regarding proper UV protection, don’t purchase them. Some low-cost sunglasses meet the requirements while some very expensive sunglasses don’t. Do not let the price be the determining factor. The best thing to do is come and see us here at Stone Canyon Eye Care. We have great styles to pick from that have the proper protection.
Love Your Eyes
Your eyes are way too important to risk using improper sun protection. Here at Stone Canyon Eye Care, we take your vision seriously and only provide the highest quality of service and products. See you at your next eye exam!
The content on our blog here at Stone Canyon Eye Care is not to a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical question about any conditions you have, please see a health care provider.