What To Look For In Sunglasses

What to Look for in Sunglasses:

All sunglasses are designed to shield your eyes from bright sunlight. Many sunglasses go a step beyond and also promise protection from ultraviolet (UV) light rays and other types of natural radiation from the sun. Protecting your eyes from these damaging rays is essential for keeping your eyes healthy. Choosing the right pair of sunglasses whether you are searching for sunglasses in Annapolis, MD, sunglasses near me, or an optician in Annapolis, can make all the difference.  

What Should You Look for in Sunglasses?

Color and style are not the most important factors in choosing sunglasses. Their ability to block light and harmful UV rays is what matters most.

Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. Look for sunglasses with this feature. Both plastic and glass lenses can absorb some UV light. UV absorption is greatly improved, however, in sunglasses where a special coating is applied to the lens or a chemical is added to the materials in the lens during production.

Check lenses to make sure they also block out enough visible sunlight. A good pair of sunglasses should block out at least 80 percent of visible sunlight. The lens should be dark enough to obscure your own eyes.

Buying wraparound sunglasses can further enhance eye protection. These type of sunglasses block light from entering in around your temples and further limits exposure to dangerous UV rays.  This offers added protection for your eyes and for the delicate skin surrounding them.  This area is particularly prone to skin cancer.  5-10% of skin cancer occurs around the eyes and lower eyelid. 

Quality Matters with Sunglasses

Sunglasses have plenty of extra features that can enhance their ability to protect your eyes. Consult with your optical professional to see what features will help protect your eyes from being damaged.

Some eyeglasses feature polarized lenses to reduce vertical glare. These are helpful in reducing glare from light bouncing off water, snow or paved surfaces. Sunglasses made with polarized lenses are especially useful when driving, boating, bicycling or doing other outdoor activities.  Sun glare is associated with a 16% increase in serious vehicle crashes. AAA recommends investing in polarized sunglasses to reduce glare. 

If you are looking for sunglasses that will work in outdoors and indoors, photochromic glass lenses can offer a good solution. The photochromic lens automatically darkens when exposed to bright light and becomes lighter again in low light. This feature is popular with people who already need to wear prescription eyeglasses to improve their vision. McNelly Optical now offers a transitional lens that becomes polarized as it darkens - the ultimate solution for those who need prescription glasses.

Select impact resistant sunglasses. No lens is totally immune from breaking. Plastic and polycarbonate lenses are much more durable, however, than glass lenses when struck by a hard object. They are less likely to shatter and cause potential injuries. Longer lasting eyeglasses will do more to keep your eyes from suffering long-term damage related to sunlight exposure.

Visit our optical shop in Annapolis, MD, for a wide selection of high-quality eyeglasses and sunglasses. Whether you're looking for "eyeglasses near me" or need an experienced optician in Annapolis, we've got you covered with the best options to keep your eyes safe and stylish.

Sources:

EyeCare America. “Sunglasses.” The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Glaucoma Research Foundation. “A Guide to Sunglasses.” April 16, 2013.