About Sunglasses

Sunglasses are more than fashionable shades worn by celebrities to shield them from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. In fact, sunglasses are an important accessory to guard your eyes from harsh ultraviolet radiation. From sun-clips worn over prescription frames to designer eye protection covered in Swarovski crystals, sunglasses are mandatory year-round eye protection for sun-worshipers, beach-lovers and each member of your family.

Function

Sunglasses are worn to shield the eyes from dust, debris and sunlight. The sun's rays emit UVA and UVB light and your sunglasses should shield your eyes from both types of radiation. Sunglasses that block 95 to 100 percent UVB ray protection and 60 percent UVA ray protection are recommended to prevent damage to the eyes. Prescription sunglasses also provide protection for people who require eye correction beyond reading glasses. These special lenses are available at optical stores and at your local optometrist's office.

Types

Sunglasses are divided into four distinct categories of lenses: polarized, mirrored, photochromic and gradient. Polarized lenses are the preferred lenses for people who participate in sports and long-distance driving. Polarized sunglasses help to reduce the sun's reflective glare off horizontal surfaces such as oceans, lakes and snow-covered surfaces. Mirrored sunglasses are identified by the silvery-reflective nature of their lenses and are worn in conditions where bright light and intense heat are normal. Mirrored lenses also reduce the effects of infrared radiation. Photochromic lenses are light sensitive. Once the wearer of photochromic lenses step into direct sunlight, the lenses darken in response to the ultraviolet sunrays. Gradient lenses are dark at the top and gradually become clear at the bottom.

Tints

Sunglass tints are created in the following color combinations: brown to yellow, gray to green-gray and pink, purple or blue. The best color combinations to reduce damage to eyes are amber, green or brown. "Blue-blocker" lenses, although popular due to infomercials and advertising, have not been shown to be more effective than other forms of tinted sunglasses.

Style

Styles of sunglasses range from clip-ons and wraparounds to aviators, round lenses and large round frames. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made large round frames popular in the 1970s among fashionable socialites and jet-setting travelers. Tom Cruise's wore RayBan Wayfarers in the famous 1980s dance scene in "Risky Business." This instance of movie-making magic along with Audrey Hepburn's unforgettable window-shopping scene in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" helped immortalize RayBans as iconic sunglasses in popular culture and cinematic history

Considerations

When participating in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, sunglasses should be worn at all times. In winter months the sun's rays have highly reflective properties when shining on snow, ice and water. The ultraviolet properties of the sunbeams are intensified and increased exposure to sunlight can damage your eyes.

The FDA requires manufacturers to label nonprescription eyewear with information specifically designed to protect consumers. High-quality sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection are affordable unless designed by a popular fashion design house. Children's eyes are not immune to damaging UV rays. Select sunglasses for your children that have maximum UVA and UVB protection.

Prevention/Solution

Too much exposure to the sun can result in damage to the retina and cornea. Sunglasses that offer UV protection can prevent the onset of diseases such as cataracts, photokeratitis and sunburn of the cornea. Avoid buying sunglasses from street vendors and unauthorized sellers to ensure that your sunglasses are regulated by the FDA and provide optimal levels of UVB protection. If you are concerned whether your sunglasses are adequately protecting your eyes from the sun, your optometrist can verify the quality of your lenses and their UV strength. To keep sunglasses in shape, refrain from wearing them on the top of your head.

Resources

• Ehow's How to Choose Sunglasses
• Answerbag's How to Get Deals on Sunglasses
• FDA's Guide - What to Look for in a Pair of Sunglasses