Sunglasses aren’t just fashion items—these specialized glasses play a key role in protecting your vision. However, not all of them are the same. That’s why you should consult with an expert before purchasing a pair. At Northern Lights Eye Care in Anchorage, AK, the eye doctors will be happy to help you select the ideal pair for your needs. Here, they explain why this type of eyewear is so important. 

Why Should You Wear Sunglasses?

You probably know you shouldn’t look directly into the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause serious damage to your vision. These UV rays can cause macular degeneration (a leading cause of vision loss for older people), cataracts, and even skin cancer. 

Unfortunately, even if you’re not looking directly at the sun, being outside still exposes your eyes to substantial UV rays. That’s why you need to wear some sort of protective eyewear if you’re going to be outdoors. Strong sunglasses are made with lenses that prevent the harsh UV rays from striking your eyes, without impairing your vision.

How Often Should You Wear Them?

It’s important to wear sunglasses outdoors even on cloudy days—the sun’s UV rays are strong enough to penetrate cloud cover. However, some sunglasses are less effective than others. Some have merely dark lenses, which can be more dangerous than not wearing sunglasses at all. These make you think it’s safe not to squint, so, when you open your eyes wider, you let in more UV rays.

Whenever you need a new pair of glasses or sunglasses, it’s important to get expert advice. At Northern Lights Eye Care in Anchorage, they’ll go over the differences between the lenses to help you understand what to look for in new glasses. Visit them online to learn more about their eye doctors, or call (907) 276-3937 today to schedule an appointment.