The Importance of Sunglasses

With all the focus on sunscreen during the summer months, it leaves the question: Are we doing enough? We make sure our skin is protected constantly with sunscreen and even bug repellent if we are going to be close by to little critters. But, are we doing all that we can to ensure our whole body is protected? One of the most vulnerable areas on our body when we go outside on sunny days is our eyes. Yes, the sunglasses that we sport, or should be sporting, are more than just a status symbol. They are the most valuable protection we can use when looking to shield our peepers from the sun's harmful effects.

We are all aware of ultraviolet (UV) rays and the damage they can do to our skin but we might not often think of the damage they are doing to our eyes. Permanent damage can occur to the eyes when they are left exposed to UV light. Light that is reflected from water, sand, pavement or even snow can be the most harmful since they can actually burn the surface of the eye. Frequent exposure over a prolonged period of time can cause damage to the internal structures of the eye, namely the lens and the retina. Exposure to the sun without sunglasses can also cause the formation of cataracts, a clouding of the lens of the eye. This is so dangerous that if enough damage is done, cataract surgery may be required to remove the lens and an artificial one will replace it.

Also, due to the depletion of the ozone layer, the amount of UV light we are exposed to increasing with each passing year. While cataracts used to rarely be seen in anyone who was younger than seventy, children who are often exposed to UV light are now developing cataracts in their twenties and thirties.

So, now that we are aware of the dangers, how do we know what to look for when selecting the right pair of sunglasses to protect us? First and foremost, it is important to check the label of sunglasses before you purchase them. It will tell you the level of UV protection. Ideally, sunglasses should block 99-100% of UV light, including both UV-A and UV-B light. It is wise to purchase a pair of wraparound glasses or glasses that have side shields to keep sunlight from entering eyes from the sides. Also it's important to be aware that darker lenses do not necessarily mean better protection or even good UV light protection. The same holds true for expensive sunglasses. They may just be more durable or more fashionable.

There are two other points that are important to keep in mind. The first is that everybody should wear sunglasses for adequate protection, and that includes children. As stated previously, children need protection from an early age now. The other point is that you should check the UV Index daily. This will tell you how strong the sun's rays will be.

With all this talk about protection, one simply can't forget about the importance of fashion and finding a frame that suits you. A really great article on women's sunglasses can be found at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/253892/sunglasses_styles_for_summer_2007_popular.html.

If you're looking for a designer pair of shades that boast about offering all the protection you need and also have great features, visit: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/40527/original_penguin_belair_sunglasses.html.

And if you're looking for something a little different and want to get more out of your shades than just protection, this article will definitely help: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/29961/oakley_sunglasses_you_can_listen_to.html

Whichever style you find to suit you, it's most important to remember that those lenses do actually protect your eyes from potentially excessive damage. We worry so much about sun exposure and sun damage when it comes to our skin, it only makes sense to worry as much about our eyes.