As much as we all look forward to summer, it is the time of year that the sun beats down on DFW the most. In order to celebrate UV Safety Month this July, Ighani Eye Care wants to help you pick out the right sunglasses for your eye safety needs.
What are Ultraviolet (UV) rays?
Just beyond the visible light spectrum lies the UV light spectrum. UV light waves move faster than light our eyes can see, but that doesn’t mean they don’t affect us. These rays are the same ones that are responsible for sunburns. Just like it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, protecting your eyes from the sun will help keep your eyes happy and healthy for years to come.
Important things to look for in sunglasses
First, the color or darkness of the sunglass lenses does not mean that they’re more or less equipped to protect your eyes from UV rays. Instead, look for a tag or sticker that guarantees 100% UV protection. This will ensure protection from both UVA rays (which penetrate deeper into your skin and eyes) and UVB rays (which damage the surface of your skin and eyes, causing most sun-related cancers).
Second, look for sunglasses that prevent as much exposure to the sun as possible. Wrap-around style sunglasses block out unfiltered sunlight from reaching the sides of your eyes. These are usually the best style to keep your eyes as protected as possible.
Third, remember that a higher price tag doesn’t always equal better UV protection. When it comes to picking out the right sunglasses, buying a more expensive pair of sunglasses doesn’t ensure your eyes’ safety. There are plenty of high-dollar shades out there that won’t do a thing for keeping UV radiation out of your eyes. Always do your research to make sure the sunglasses you’ve picked out are going to meet your UV-protection needs.
Reminders about UV safety
- Don’t let a cloudy day fool you. Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean its harmful radiation can’t reach you. In fact, over 90% of UV rays can break through some types of clouds. If you fail to protect yourself because the clouds are providing you some shade, you’re at even more risk than you would be on a sunny day when you take your usual suncare precautions.
- From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., UV rays from the sun are at their highest. This means these are the peak hours that you should be protecting your eyes from potential damage. Of course, sun damage can happen in all hours of the day, but make sure you’re taking extra precautions from 10 to 2.
- Among everything else we’ve mentioned, one of the foremost reasons to wear sunglasses is the effect they can have on reducing your risk of developing early cataracts or glaucoma. By reducing the amount of direct sunlight that enters your eyes, you are prolonging the health of the natural eye lens and extending the time you have before you’ll need cataract treatment.
We’re here to help!
At Ighani Eye Care, we offer comprehensive eye exams, which means no matter your vision concerns, we’re equipped to help you. If you’re concerned about your eyes, or if it’s just time for a check-up, let us be the ones you choose to ensure your eyes are happy and healthy. Plus, it’s always important to “keep an eye” on any potential vision issues that may arise in the future. Feel free to call us at 682.688.2020 to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience or book online today!
