Myths about sunglasses

The following information is taken from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Did you know that too much sun on unprotected eyes increases the risk of eye disease? The good news is that prevention is simple: Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. But there are a lot of common myths about sunglasses and eye health.

Myth #1: Sunglasses are only for sunny days
False. UV light gets through clouds and haze. Regardless of the season, sun exposure can increase the risk of developing cataracts, eyelid cancer and various growths on the eyeball itself. Sun reflecting off ice and snow can also lead to photokeratitis, a painful eye condition sometimes referred to as “snow blindness.”

Myth #2: Babies and children don’t need to wear sunglasses
False. Children are just as susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays as adults. Start them on healthy habits early.

Myth #3: Cheap sunglasses don’t offer protection
False. Sunglasses don’t have to cost a lot of money to provide adequate eye protection. Less expensive pairs marked as 100 percent UV-blocking can be just as effective as more expensive options, but labels can sometimes be confusing and misleading. Some indicate sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from UVA/UVB radiation, others offer 100 percent UV 400 protection. Both block 100 percent of the sun’s harmful radiation.

Myth #4: Size doesn’t matter
False. The more coverage sunglasses provide, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider oversized sunglasses or wraparound-style glasses, which can help cut down on UV light entering the eye from the side. Wraparound glasses may also protect against dry eye due to the wind.

Myth #5: Polarized lenses offer more protection from the sun
False. Polarized lenses do not block more radiation; however, they can cut down on glare reflecting off cars, water or pavement, which can make activities such as driving or boating more enjoyable. 

Myth #6: Darker lenses offer more protection from the sun
False. The darkness of the lens isn’t indicative of protection. Make sure the label on the lens says 100% UV-blocking.

Myth #7: Tinted lenses offer more protection from the sun
False. Amber, green and grey lenses do not block more of the sun’s harmful rays. However, tinted lenses do offer increased contrast for those who play sports, making a baseball or a golf ball easier to see. Rose and rose copper lenses provide the highest contrast and do the most to separate and boost colors. You’ll find it easier to spot the baseball against the blue sky or the green grass if you wear sunglasses with this color. Brown lenses are a little denser than rose or rose copper, so they’re better for bright conditions while still providing great contrast enhancement. Gray is a great tint color for blocking excessively bright light. Yellow and orange tints enhance contrast in low light or overcast conditions and protect against blue light emissions.

With the summer approaching, be sure to have your eyes protected from the UV rays.

As the old saying states : “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”