As our days get longer again, the sun shines a bit more frequently and the temperature starts to rise, so too does our urge to go out and enjoy the pleasant weather. After months of cold weather, we are ready to take walks around the parks, sit out on our patios and appreciate the burst of energy we feel in the sun.
But while we might recognise the dangers of sun exposure for our skin, we often forget that the sun can be just as harmful to our eyes without protection, and we cannot just apply sunscreen to our eyes as we do our skin.
Fortunately, there is still a very simple solution for protecting our eyes.
Bothered By Sun Glare? Wear Sunglasses!
Sunglasses are not just a fashion-forward accessory designed to make you look cool; they are incredibly useful tools to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.
Prolonged exposure to UV radiation has been known to cause anything from minor cosmetic damage (i.e., wrinkles) to more serious tissue damage (sunburns) and severe melanomas and some cancers. Your eyes are not immune to this kind of damage.
Whether you choose non-prescription or prescription lenses, a pair of sunglasses with properly treated lenses should reduce UV radiation entering your eyes by 99%.
You should be able to confirm with your optical dispenser if the lenses are UVA/UVB protected, or have a UV rating of 400; the sunglasses off the rack at the dollar store or pharmacy might not have that kind of protection.
Having polarised sun lenses goes one step further; polarisation is an added effect to sun lenses that block harsh, concentrated beams of light that bounce off a horizontal plane from travelling through the lens to the eye.
Anyone who has been near the water on a bright sunny day or driving down the road with other vehicles with very reflective surfaces knows how frustrating this glare can be to deal with. Polarised lenses help you enjoy outdoor activities without sacrificing your visual clarity.
Have Fun With It! Your Options are Endless
A pair of glasses with good sun protection does not have to be boring; so long as the frames fit comfortably and there are not any special prescription considerations, you can wear any shape or colour that strikes your fancy! Go big and bold! Have fun with colours! Pick something that you are going to enjoy wearing time and time again.
The colour of the lens has no bearing on the strength of protection. Some colours work better than others under certain weather conditions, or for specific activities such as water sports or golfing, but the general rule of thumb is to pick a colour you are comfortable looking through.
If you dislike the way a brown lens adds a warm filter to your vision, choose grey or green instead! Or vice versa, if you prefer the calming effect a brown lens can bring. Sunglasses are a simple component for sun protection, yet just as important as a good wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. Think about incorporating a pair into your activities this summer. Your eyes will thank you later.
Stop by our offices today to browse our wide selection of polarised and non-polarised sunglasses. With two locations in Toronto (Beaches & Yorkville), you are bound to find something fun, fashionable, and functional just in time for the summer rays.
And if you’re unsure which lenses or frames are best suited for your lifestyle, visiting an eye clinic near me can make all the difference. A professional optometrist can guide you through options that not only look great but also provide the highest level of protection for your eyes.
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