Do you ever wonder if shelling out extra cash for sunglasses gives your eyes better protection? When the sun glares down, it’s crucial to shield your eyes, but does a higher price tag guarantee better safety from harmful rays? Here, we’ll unravel the truth behind the cost and quality of sunglasses.
At Westpoint Optical Store Near You, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of sunglasses that not only meet all safety standards but also fit every style and budget. Our expertise in eye care ensures that each pair of sunglasses in our inventory is tested and proven to protect your eyes effectively.
Today, we’ll cover key features like UV protection, lens quality, and frame durability to help you make an informed choice. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your eyes healthy and stylish.
What are UV Rays? How does it Affect us?
UV rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and also from some artificial sources like welding machines and tanning beds. These rays are not visible to the naked eye but have profound effects on your health.
UV rays can cause skin damage ranging from mild sunburn to more serious conditions like skin cancer. Prolonged exposure can also harm the eyes, leading to cataracts and other vision problems. Additionally, UV radiation can weaken the immune system, reducing your ability to fight off certain infectious diseases.
There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer and don’t reach us, but UVA and UVB can have significant health impacts.
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Risks of UV Rays to the Eyes
When it comes to your eyes, prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to several serious conditions:
- Cataracts: UV rays, particularly UVB, can cause cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that obscures vision. Cataracts develop slowly and can eventually lead to blindness if not treated surgically.
- Macular Degeneration: Exposure to UV rays can also contribute to macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of vision loss among the elderly. This condition affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for clear vision in your direct line of sight.
- Photokeratitis: Sometimes called snow blindness, photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn of the eyes. It’s painful and can result from the reflection of UV rays on water, snow, or other reflective surfaces.
Factors to Choose Your Summer Eyewear
When it comes to choosing the right type of summer eyewear, it is not about style but rather comfort, protection, and function. So here are some important factors to keep in mind when choosing your summer eyewear:
UV Protection
Sunglasses are always meant to give protection to your eyes from harmful UV rays. Always try to buy sunglasses lenses with 100% UV protection. By doing so, you will have your eyes protected from dangerous UVA and UVB that can cause eye defects like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Lens Material
The materiality of the lenses plays critical roles with concern to safety, clarity, and even durability. Polycarbonate lenses are some of the favourites for summer eyewear because they can resist impacts and naturally protect from UV rays. Additionally, they are lighter than glass lenses, so spending a whole day doing all sorts of activities in the sun will not bother you.
Frame Fit
A good fit is very essential for comfort and thereby protecting the eyes from the rays of the sun. The sunglasses should rest comfortably on the nose and ears, not pinch or rub. The frames should also not slide down the nose or touch the eyelashes. Ideally, one would have one more wrap-around protection against too much sun on the side.
Lens Color and Tint
Various colours and tints of the lenses serve different functions, while others are adaptive and enhance vision in given environments. Brown and amber lenses are perfect for contrast and hence make them good selections for sports like golfing and fishing. Grey lenses reduce overall brightness without distorting the colours, so they are great for sports and outdoor activities such as skiing and riding.
Style and Aesthetics
Sunglasses don’t always have to look boring, yet each pair serves an overall purpose. Find a frame and colorway that will be the perfect complement to your face. However, it is the glass that you find yourself more comfortable and stylish in; it should be said that the spirit of this design is through either with original aviator style, fashionable oversized frame, or sporty wraparound your eyes reflect your style for all safety and comfort requirements.
Health Conditions Considerations
Personas who are prone to some eye disorders e.g. macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy may derive benefits from wearing wraparound sunglasses which can block as much sunlight as possible. One of them is the option for photosensitive people to choose lenses with darker tints than the usual UV protection.
Polarization
Polarization itself does not block UV rays. However, it reduces glare on horizontal surfaces including water, snow, and roads. By reducing glare and preventing the need for squinting, polarized glasses make a great choice for driving and participating in most outdoor sports.
Also Read – Finding The Best SunGlasses For Your Face Shape
Popular Brands For UV-Protected Summer Eyewear
UV protection will be the main factor in choosing the right sunglasses in summer. Westpoint Optical has a wide range of branded sunglasses with their styles that are not only effective but also guard against harmful UV rays. Here are some of the most popular brands available that ensure you stay stylish and protected:
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban Eyewear is possibly the most popular brand in this category, with their Wayfarer glasses and Aviator line being the most recognizable. The sunglasses come with outstanding lenses that have high UV protection belonging to the grade 100. This makes them a perfect choice for whoever is out in the sun.
Maui Jim
The popularity of Maui Jim lenses is mainly because they have polarized lenses which not only reduce glare but combine PolarizedPlus2 technology which makes colours more vibrant and completely stops 100% UVA and UVB rays. Those filters provide essential water protection such as lenses that reduce glare from water that are perfect for people who spend lots of time near water or driving.
Prada
Customers who are interested in high-priced products may appreciate Prada’s sunglasses, which feature a state-of-the-art contemporary design, along with great sun protection. Their optic offerings take you back and forth between optimum eye care and being up-to-date with the latest fashions.
Gucci
Gucci sunglasses are the symbol of extreme luxury, class and chicness and protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun with 100% UV-blocking lenses. These trendy Eyewear are ideal for both those who are fashionable as well as health-conscious.
Dior
The sunglasses collection by Dior is frequently used by the Christian Dior brand because of its good quality coupled with its appealing aesthetic. In addition to their stylish appearance, these glasses feature lenses that effectively protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting your eyes and the delicate skin around them from sun exposure is crucial. High-quality sunglasses offer not just style but substantial health benefits by providing maximum UV protection. This defense is key in reducing the risk of eye diseases, such as macular degeneration affecting central vision, and preventing conditions like blurred vision. When purchasing sunglasses, it’s essential to choose pairs with high-quality lenses that ensure a high level of UV protection. Ultimately, additional UV protection helps maintain overall eye health, allowing you to enjoy the sun safely while minimizing potential damage.