UV rays can raise your risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and even cancer of the eye and eyelids. Be sure to contact Visual Eyes Optometric in Fairview NC for more information on getting a routine eye exam and prescription sunglasses that protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
More Tips for Protecting Your Eyesight
Children in particular may be at risk. Older people have smaller pupils than young ones, so the younger eye admits more light. When you go outside and put on your sunglasses, make sure that your child is wearing his as well.
A Few Ways to Block UV Rays
Sunglasses can block harmful UV radiation and reduce your risk for potentially blinding eye diseases and tumors, but they’re also great at preventing dust, sand, and other airborne particles from getting into your eyes.
Prescription sunglasses offer the same protection as non-prescription glasses, provided that they have equal UV protection and lens size. Lenses that darken when exposed to light are a good option.
“Transitions and other lenses change the degree of color, but not the actual color itself,” says a professional in the optometry field. “In the past, they were heavy, slow-acting, and only changed slightly. The newest ones have solved these problems and are very useful in environments and situations where the sunlight and glare change often, such as the golf course, on the water, and getting in and out of the car often.”
Find the Right Eye Doctor
Are you worried about protecting your eyes from UV rays? Do you wear sunglasses every time you're outside? Considering contact lenses that offer UV protection? If so, this post is for you!
The best way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays is with polarized sunglasses. There is simply no other way. Doctors say that the UV protecting contact lenses offered are incomplete coverage. In this case, be sure to wear non-corrective sunglasses when your contacts are in.
If you are in need of non-corrective sunglasses, be sure to visit www.visualeyesoptometric.com for more information about our Eye Care Practice in Fairview NC. Our Western NC optometrist, Dr. Haley Perry OD, specializes in routine eye care, as well as medical eye care.
Tips for Choosing Effective Sunglasses
- Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
- Don’t choose sunglasses based on the darkness or color of the lenses. Unless treated, dark lenses do not block out UV rays better than other tints. Read the label instead.
- When it comes to sunglasses, bigger is better. Wrap-around shades that offer side protection are especially good choices. The sun’s rays don’t just come from the front. They can reflect from surfaces such as cars or the water.
- If you do a lot of boating or driving, consider polarized lenses, which are effective at reducing glare.
- Remember: Price isn’t an indication of the quality of UV protection. In fact, studies have shown that some costly sunglasses can be less effective at blocking UV rays than less expensive frames. Since there is no uniform labeling of sunglasses, consult your optometrist for advice on choosing the best pair of sunglasses to protect your eyesight.
- Always wear your sunglasses when you’re outside. This is particularly important during peak sunlight hours, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when rays are the strongest. Also, be sure to wear your sunglasses when you’re at higher altitudes, where UV light can be especially intense.
- Wear sunglasses even when it’s cloudy. Just as doctors recommend sunscreen on cloudy days, eye care professionals recommend people wear sunglasses even when it isn’t sunny out. That’s because UV rays can penetrate through thin clouds and haze.
- A wide-brimmed hat can also help block some UV rays from getting into your eyes.
- Wear sunglasses year-round. Your eyesight can be affected by sunlight in any season, not just summer. You need the same protection on the ski slopes in January as you do on the beach in August.
- Another bonus to wearing sunglasses: They can help reduce the amount of wrinkles around the eyes. The skin of the eyelids and around the eyes is very thin and susceptible to sun damage. And wearing sunglasses reduces squinting, which can also lead to wrinkles.
www.visualeyesoptometric.com will steer you in the right direction for making a routine eye exam appointment with your favorite Asheville NC eye doctor. Dr. Haley A. Perry OD, will do what it takes to ensure your eye health is all that it can be.
