Blog for Elite Vision Care

Sunglasses aren’t just for making a fashion statement. They might look good on your face, but decent sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. If you regularly purchase them from a grocery or convenience store, make sure to look at the label before buying your next pair. Not all sunglasses are created equal. Make sure yours contain polarized lenses and block close to 100 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Protect Your Eyesight with Sunglasses

If you forget to wear sunglasses every so often, your eyes will probably not suffer long-lasting damage. However, prolonged sun exposure gradually and permanently affects the health of your eyes and your vision. Extended sun exposure damages your retina, cornea, and eventually causes cataracts to develop. Wearing sunglasses along with a brimmed hat is the best way to prevent irreversible sun damage to your eyes.

What Types of Sunglasses are Best?

Oversized and Wraparound Frames – Sunglasses that are designed to block UV rays from hitting any part of your eyes provide the best protection. These types are also good shields on a windy day and prevent small items flying through the air from hitting your eyes.

Polarized Lenses – While polarized lenses might not offer additional UV protection, they do an excellent job of eliminating reflection and glare on a very sunny day. They are an excellent option for anyone that works or spends a great deal of time near water, snow, or driving long distances during the day.

Regular or Prescription – Just because you wear contact lenses or glasses does not mean you do not need sunglasses! While some contact lenses provide a certain level of UV protection, they are not designed to provide full protection. Additionally, regular glasses do not protect your eyes from the sun. If you wear contacts, good sunglasses are a must. And, if you do not have photochromatic lenses that darken in the sunlight, your eyes are not protected, and prescription sunglasses might be a good option for you.

Different Types of Sunglasses

There is a wide variety of lens options, including the following. Make sure to discuss these choices with your eye doctor at your next appointment.

Polarized Lenses
Mirror-Coated Lenses
Polarized Lenses
Gradient Lenses
Photochromatic Lenses
Interchangeable Lenses
Polycarbonate Lenses

There are also a variety of lens colors and lens coatings designed to meet your unique style preferences and vision needs.

Don’t Forget the Kids!

It’s just as important to protect young eyes as it is to protect the eyes of an adult. Start early in life, and make sure your child’s eyes are protected every time they’re outside and in the sun. There are many shapes and styles of youth sunglasses that will meet your child’s needs for a nominal price.

Elite Vision Care’s optical boutique features several frames and lens options to meet the needs of every member of your family. Stop by our League City, TX office today, or call us at (281) 554-7080 to schedule an appointment with one of our eyewear boutique specialists.