With the arrival of warmer weather, it’s time to get back to enjoying patios and time spent outdoors. Even though we encourage our patients to wear protective eyewear all year long, spring is a great time to revisit the important reasons we recommend that everyone wear quality sunglasses when enjoying time outside.
Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory, although the huge range of styles does make them a lot of fun to wear. They also serve an important purpose in protecting your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Here are some of the reasons you should consider investing in a pair of sunnies you love!
- Protection from UV radiation: The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause damage to your eyes. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to corneal damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection reduces your risk of these and other conditions.
- Dry eye protection: Exposure to wind and sun can cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. Sunglasses help prevent this by shielding and protecting your eyes.
- Reduced skin cancer risk: Your eyelids and the skin around your eyes can develop skin cancer. Wearing sunglasses with a wraparound design can help protect this delicate area from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Improved visual clarity: Sunglasses can improve your visual clarity by reducing the glare that’s caused from the reflection of light off flat surfaces, such as water, snow, and pavement. It can be especially challenging when you’re driving or participating in outdoor activities. Wearing sunglasses will improve your visual clarity under these conditions.
We recommend that you select a pair of polarized sunglasses. These have a special filter that blocks certain types of light waves that cause glare. They work by only allowing vertically polarized light waves to pass through, while blocking horizontally polarized light waves. Since glare is caused by horizontally polarized light, the filter in polarized sunglasses effectively reduces glare and enhances clarity and contrast.
Polarized sunglasses are particularly useful for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, skiing and snowboarding, and driving. They allow for better visibility and reduce eye strain. They also provide excellent protection from harmful UV rays, which can damage your eyes over time. Look for high quality lenses that have been tested for polarizing efficiency.
Ready to try on some new sunnies? In addition to polarization, there are a number of other factors you should consider to find the perfect pair. While sunglasses are a fun way to make a fashion statement, protecting your eyes from damage is much more important. Choose a pair that provides 100% UV protection, blocking both UVA and UVB rays. You should also consider the shape and size of the sunglasses – wraparound designs and large frames provide more coverage and protection for your eyes.
The colour of the lenses can also affect the performance of the sunglasses. Gray or green lenses are good all-around choices that maintain colour accuracy and reduce brightness without distorting colours. Brown or amber lenses can enhance contrast and depth perception, making them a good choice for activities like fishing and golfing. Yellow lenses improve contrast in low-light conditions, such as when driving at night or in foggy weather.
The quality of lenses can have a significant impact on the clarity of your vision. High-quality lenses are typically made from glass or polycarbonate and are free from distortion or imperfections.
Finally, the material of the frame can affect durability and comfort. Plastic frames are typically lightweight and affordable, while metal frames are more durable but heavier. Acetate frames offer a balance between the two and are known for their durability and flexibility.
When trying on sunglasses, make sure they fit properly and feel comfortable. The frames should sit on your nose and ears without pinching or rubbing. If the sunglasses are too loose, they may slip down your nose and leave gaps that allow sunlight to enter. On the other hand, if they’re too tight, they may cause discomfort or headaches.
At Dr. Sam Dhaliwal & Associates, we make it our mission to help our patients see better. If we’ve provided you with a prescription for corrective eyewear, consider how you’ll protect your eyes from the sun. You can opt to combine vision correcting contacts with your favourite non-prescriptions sunnies, or have prescription sunglasses made for you by an eyewear company.
While style is a personal preference, these considerations will help you choose a pair that not only looks great, but also protects your eyes and improves your vision. Our team of Edmonton optometrists is here to help you see your best, with solutions for all of your eye health needs. Be sure to pick yourself up a pair of stylish sunglasses that you’ll love to wear all summer long.