How to Choose Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes in Summer

How to Choose Sunglasses to Protect Your Eyes in Summer

 

Eye diseases caused by UV exposure are classified into two groups: short-term and long-term effects. In the short term, exposure to high-intensity or prolonged UV radiation can cause corneal inflammation, with symptoms such as burning eyes, tearing, light sensitivity, red eyes, and eye pain. Long-term UV exposure affects both the skin around the eyes and the eyes themselves. This includes conditions like sunburned skin around the eyes, skin cancer, pterygium, and pinguecula if it impacts the surface of the eye. If UV rays penetrate deeper into the eye, they can cause cataracts or macular degeneration.

 

Sunglasses can help protect both the skin around your eyes and your eyes themselves from UV exposure. However, they must have the right qualities. Here are 6 important principles for choosing the right sunglasses:

 

1. Good UV Protection

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifies that standard sunglasses should block at least 95% of UVA and at least 99% of UVB rays. To check if your sunglasses block UV rays, look for the CE mark inside the temple arm, which indicates European standard certification.

 

2. Reduce Glare

Polarized sunglasses are ideal because they reduce glare. Lenses are made from materials like glass or plastic, which can reflect light. Good sunglasses reduce glare by approximately 70-90%.

 

3. Choose Suitable Lenses for Activities

There are 3 popular types of lenses for sunglasses:

๐ CR39 Lenses: These are plastic lenses that resist scratches well and protect against UV and infrared rays.

๐ Glass Lenses: These lenses offer better clarity and scratch resistance but are heavier and can break in accidents.

๐ Polycarbonate Lenses: These are the lightest, highly impact-resistant, and often used for sports or extreme activities, offering the best protection for your eyes.

 

4. Lens Color

Sunglass lenses come in various colors, each with different advantages:

๐ Black: Best for outdoor activities.

๐ Gray: Reduces glare without distorting colors, ideal for beach trips.

๐ Orange/Yellow: Enhances depth perception but distorts colors; not suitable for driving.

๐ Brown: Sharpens natural colors and light, improving vision for driving cars or motorcycles.

๐ Green: Reduces glare and offers comfort for outdoor activities, similar to gray lenses.

๐ Tea/Dark Gray: Suitable for general use.

 

5. Choose Frames That Suit Your Face Shape

๐ For square faces, round or curved frames are recommended.

๐ For round faces, choose larger frames that cover the cheekbones or angular frames to make the face appear smaller.

๐ For long faces, oval frames that cover the eyes completely work best.

๐ Oval faces can wear any style of frame.

 

6. Try Them On Before Buying

Wear the sunglasses and walk around, looking up and down to ensure they don’t slip. Check if the lenses fit well within the frame and if the arms are bent correctly. This will help you choose sunglasses that fit your face size properly.

 

However, if you purchase sunglasses made from substandard materials, they may not filter UV light properly. If the lenses are simply coated with color, the darkened lenses can cause your eyes to feel like they are in the dark. In low light, the pupils dilate. Wearing poor-quality lenses means dilated pupils will let more UV light enter your eyes, leading to potential damage and increasing the risk of eye diseases. Side effects of such lenses include fatigue, eye pain, redness, tearing, and burning sensations.

 

In conclusion, while sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes, it’s also important to avoid places with high UV intensity, such as staying outdoors for extended periods. If avoiding UV exposure isn’t possible, wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, or use umbrellas to protect your eyes and maintain lifelong good health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article By : Dr. Natamon Srisamran

source : PHAYATHAI 1 Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team