Content provided in partnership with

Sunglass safety: when selecting sunglasses, there's more at stake than style

American Fitness, July-August, 2004

Sunglasses aren't just fashion accessories anymore, they provide necessary protection for your eyes. Most consumers are aware of sun exposure's danger to the skin, but don't know the sun's rays can also damage the eyes. To correctly shield the eyes, consumers must know how to select appropriate sunglasses, since wearing the wrong type can do more harm than good.

UV Rundown

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

Ultraviolet (UV) light is made up of invisible rays emitted by the sun. UVB and UVA are the two UV rays of concern. UVB rays burn the skin and can easily damage the eyes. "Continuous exposure to UVB rays in combination with bright sunlight can cause cataracts," says New Jersey ophthalmologist Dr. Cary Silverman of EyeCare 20/20. Cataracts, a gradual clouding of the eye's lens, eventually cause blindness if left untreated. UVB rays can also create a cancer zone by penetrating the eyelids, raise the chances of developing a melanoma on the delicate skin around the eyes and cause wrinkles. Furthermore, studies show UV exposure can contribute to a number of additional ocular complications, including pterygium (an abnormal growth on the eye's surface), macular degeneration and cancer.

UVA rays are what the eye lens primarily absorbs. Although there is currently no proof UVA rays cause damage or blindness, doctors recommend keeping your eyes covered to block these rays as well.

Sunglass Criteria

According to Silverman, when purchasing sunglasses, it is important to look for a label specifying UV protection. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays because they protect eyes from both UVA and more harmful UVB rays. This is particularly important because wearing tinted glasses without UV protection causes more harm than not wearing sunglasses. Silverman explains, "When light is cut out, your pupil dilates in order to let more light into the visual system. Tinted glasses without UV protection spell trouble because they let more harmful UV rays into the dilated pupil." If you're really concerned, have your sunglasses rested at an optical store or ophthalmologist's office.

Tips for purchasing sunglasses

* Check for the OSHA label indicating 99 or 100 percent UV protection

* Look for close-fitting, larger-lensed or wrap-around sunglasses. These will prevent UV rays from filtering in from around the edges.

* Don't be misguided by price--higher-priced sunglasses usually reflect fashion or durability, not UV protection--look for the label.

* Dark-colored sunglasses don't necessarily provide better protection. A clear chemical coating applied to the lens is responsible for UV protection, not the lens color.

Although they help filter out harmful rays, UV-absorbing contact lenses should not be used as substitutes for sunglasses. "Sunglasses provide one of the best sources of UV protection," Silverman asserts. "While some UV-absorbing contact lenses are now available, they do not provide adequate protection and should not replace sunglasses. Sunglasses are still needed to cover the entire eye area, including eyelids."

It is important to wear sunglasses on cloudy as well as sunny days and throughout all four seasons. As long as it is light outside, UV rays can reach your eyes and skin. "Remember, your sunglasses will not make you look better, see more comfortably or protect your eyes when they are in your purse, pocket or on the dashboard of your car. Get in the habit of putting them on," Silverman adds.

RELATED ARTICLE: Help your windows help you.

Since the sun's ultraviolet radiation can go through glass, it can exacerbate skin damage you've sustained outdoors and even burn your skin if you never leave your room. However, this can be prevented with sun-protective window film, according to a report in the latest issue of Sun & Skin News, a publication of The Skin Cancer Foundation.

For several years, transparent film that filters most of the sun's UVB and UVA rays has been available in all 50 states for vehicles' side and back window glass (windshields come already treated with a UVA absorber). Without this protective film, a considerable amount of UVA and UVB would get through. Now, this kind of protection has moved indoors, becoming available for homes and offices through an increasing number of companies. Chemical UVA absorbers, such as benzophenones and benzotriazoles in varying strengths, in conjunction with the film's polyester base, screen out almost 100 percent of UVB and UVA, without reducing visibility.

Available in varied tints, these films reduce glare by more than half while allowing 30 to 80 percent of visible light to permeate. They help prevent not only sunburn, but also brief daily UV exposures that cumulatively accelerate skin aging and increase skin cancer risks, ha addition, the films can be lifesavers for people with dangerous photosensitive conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum.

The combination of glare prevention and UV absorption also protects the eyes. "Chronic sun exposure is linked to cataracts and macular degeneration," says Paramus, New Jersey, ophthalmologist Douglas Liva, M.D. "Window film helps prevent these conditions and other UV-related eye diseases, including ocular melanomas."

Sunglass safety: when selecting sunglasses, there's more at stake than style

American Fitness, July-August, 2004

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Autos

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health