Now that it’s summertime, every free moment we have is usually spent out on the beach with friends, driving down the highway on the next family road trip, or out on the golf course with Dad. Whenever you’re outside, especially when it’s so sunny, you need to make sure that your body if fully protected from the harmful ultraviolet rays that come off of the sun! Proper sunscreen SPF, and ample application to your nose and face is imperative for healthy skin. Likewise, it’s crucial that your eyes are just as protected. Therefore, when shopping around for sunglasses this summer, you want only the best! This doesn’t necessarily mean they are the most expensive glasses you find, but they must block the most damaging of the sun’s rays.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) created a UV (ultraviolet) Index in order to help protect us from the sun’s rays. This index helps distributors determine just how to make their sunscreens, and other similar products. However, while UV rays and their damaging radiation can harm our skin, they can also cause many problems to our eyes if not properly protected. Furthermore, in recent years, new research shows us that there are also degenerative high-energy visible radiation, or HEV (sometimes referred to as “blue light”). While most of our current UV protective coatings and sunglasses block one-hundred percent of the ultraviolet rays, they do not catch all of the high-energy visible radiation. (However, they do stop the majority of it).
Ultraviolet radiation can be broken down into three different types: UVA rays, UVB rays, and UVC rays. UVA rays are almost like visible light rays, but have lower energy levels than that which comes off of either UVB or UVC radiation. Exposure to UVA rays can cause cataracts, and be a major contributing factor in the development of macular degeneration. UVB have shorter wavelengths than UVA, and not all of them reach the earth passing the ozone layer; a good amount are partially filtered out. UVB radiation is actually good for you in small doses, but overexposure (which is typically more likely to happen) can be very detrimental. UVC rays are the most harmful type of radiation for both our eyes and skin. However, fortunately for us, while the energy level is the highest, the rays are unable to pass our ozone. Therefore, at this time, they cannot get to us.
One of the major attributes to sunglasses that you should always ensure you purchase is the size of the frame itself! Sunglasses that wrap fully and closely to your face are always the best bet for actual eye-protection when it comes to the sun. Why, you ask? Well, if the frames themselves are plastic or metal, they will be blocking your eyes from any insidious rays that try to creep in around the sides.
Now that you know, and have a better understanding of all of the concerns the sun’s rays bring to your eyes, you’ll be able to narrow your search for your new sunglasses! Ensuring that your eyes have the best protection should always be your number one goal. Let’s face it: there’s no point to shop around and buy glasses if you’re not covering all of your bases, right? So, don’t forget! Our eyes always need protection from the sun, so even if you’re just investing in a new pair of prescription eyeglasses, be prepared!
Elea Kalin is a fashion stylist – turned optical specialist. Her focus is on accessories and statement pieces – like prescription eyeglasses. She is currently working for eyeglassespro.com – the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping all over the US, with the code FreeShip10.