Choosing Sunglasses with UV Protection
Dr. Gordon G. Wong and Dr. Wildon C. Wong have helped numerous patients all over La Jolla, Carmel Valley, and San Diego, CA, experience great vision through optometric care. We offer prescription glasses and designer eyewear that allow you to see clearly and look your best.
Since the weather is so nice in California, we often recommend that patients own a pair of sunglasses to help prevent vision loss from the UV rays of the run. Choosing the right UV protection sunglasses is important. Here are some tips on how to find the right sunglasses for your needs.
Why UV Protection Matters
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your eyes over time, leading to poor vision and contributing to vision loss. UV ray exposure is linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts, eye cancers, growths around the eyes, and other conditions that affect the eyes and eye area. To preserve your vision, you should find sunglasses that block out the sun’s harmful rays.
Look for a UVA/UVB Protection Sticker
Look for sunglasses that provide 100 percent protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This will help protect your eyes as well as the area around your eyes from the damage caused by the sun.
What Are Polarized Lenses?
Polarized lenses are lenses that have been treated with a chemical to help further filter out light passing through the lens. They are excellent at cutting down glare from the sun. Images tend to be darker yet sharper when viewed through polarized lenses. While not necessary, you may want to consider polarized lenses.
Larger Lenses vs. Smaller Lenses
Large lenses on sunglasses will help block out more harmful UV rays around the eyes and eye area. Smaller lenses are still effective, but may expose more of the skin around the eyes. Generally, you’ll want larger lenses to help offer optimal protection of your vision as well as the skin around your eyes.
Will Lens Tints Make a Difference?
The tint of the lenses won’t help enhance UV protection, but they may make certain activities easier to perform while wearing sunglasses.
Lenses that are brown or amber, for example, can improve vision clarity if you suffer from macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. We can go over other lens colors and tints during a visit to help you find the ideal lenses for your eyes.
Should I Consider Prescription Sunglasses?
If you wear prescription glasses, a pair of prescription sunglasses is generally a smart investment. Having prescription sunglasses with UV protection allows you to see clearly while you’re out in the sun for long periods of time.
Even people who wear contact lenses may want to consider a pair of prescription sunglasses. Wearing prescription sunglasses means you won’t have to worry about putting in contacts for a long day outdoors. You also won’t have to worry about losing a contact since you’ll be able to see just fine with your sunglasses.
Speak with Our Skilled Optometrists
If you would like to learn more about picking the right sunglasses to preserve your vision, we encourage you to contact GW Eye Associates online or call us at (858) 454-4699.
