Sunglasses offer the wonderful benefit of adding to your personal style, but they also serve a practical goal. They support your eye health by protecting your eyes from UV rays. Whether you’re choosing prescription sunglasses or just looking for a normal pair at a store, don’t forget to factor in their primary purpose as shields against ultraviolet light. 

Why UV Rays Are Dangerous 

It’s not that UV rays are bad altogether; they provide us with vitamin D, which is essential for building strong bones and a thriving immune system, and the tryptamine they trigger is great for boosting your mood. The best source of UV light is the sun. Nevertheless, too much exposure to this type of light can adversely affect your vision without protection from sunglasses. 

Ultraviolet light comes in three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Each presents certain risks. For example, excess UVA and UVB rays are known to contribute to the development of cataracts and eyelid skin cancer, and UVA can trigger macular degeneration as well.

UVC can cause the most harm, such as photokeratitis, which is a sunburn on the eyes, and other serious eye conditions. Although the sun’s UVC rays don’t tend to make it far enough through Earth’s atmosphere to create a cancer risk, they can kill bacteria, so some hospitals use this type of UV ray carefully to treat illnesses. 

What to Prioritize in Sunglasses 

Manufacturers advertise their products’ resistance to UV light. Look for pairs that promise to absorb 99% to 100% of ultraviolet rays and block 75% to 90% of visible light in general.

For the best results, the lenses should be gray so that your color perception remains accurate. They must also be large enough to completely cover your eyes as well as smooth and free of blemishes to ensure the clearest vision field. Once you’ve checked those requirements off your list, pick something that suits your personal style. 

If you regularly wear eyeglasses with a high prescription, it may be difficult to find over-the-counter sunglasses that will fully correct your vision. In that case, talk to an optician about getting a prescription pair that will offer the protection you need without compromising your ability to see clearly. 

 
Specializing in stylish sunglasses and other types of eyewear that fuse attractiveness with practicality, Optics Eyewear is ready to help you find the perfect pair to shield your eyes from UV rays. Located in High Point, NC, they boast more than 50 years of experience in matching their customers’ prescriptions and eye care needs with glasses that perfectly suit their personalities. Since they hold high standards for themselves, you’ll be nothing less than 100% satisfied with their service. To find out more about the brands they carry, call them today at (336) 884-5677 or message them online.