Too much sunlight on unprotected eyes can cause damage to the eyes and increase your chance of contracting eye diseases. A helpful tip is to wear sunglasses that will block out 99%-100% of UVA and UVB rays for the best protection of your eyes. There are several myths about sunglasses and your eye health. Read them below and see how you can protect your eyes better.
You Only Need To Wear Sunglasses On Bright Days
This is wrong because sunlight can break through clouds. Whether it’s a bright day out or not too much exposure to the sun can cause cataracts or even cancer. Even during winter months sun reflecting off the ice or snow can cause damage to your eyes. One disease you could get is known as snow blindness which is very painful, but medically this disease is referred to as photokeratitis.
Babies and Young Kids Do Not Need Shades On
It’s best to start your babies and children out on a healthy note in life. Sun’s rays can affect babies and children’s eyes just as much as adult’s eyes.
Cheap Sunglasses Won’t Offer Protection
Cheaper Sunglasses are more cost effective and if they’re marked as 100% UV Protection they will work just as well as a more expensive brand of sunglasses. Some sunglasses offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays while others offer 100% UV 400 protection from sun rays. There is no difference between this. Either pair would block 100% of the sun’s harmful rays.
Sunglasses Size Doesn’t Matter
This is untrue because the bigger the size of sunglasses you have on the more sun rays will be prevented from harming your eyes. A helpful tip would be to purchase larger sunglasses or wrap-around style sunglasses to stop any sun rays from hurting your eyes coming from the sides. Wrap-around sunglasses even have an extra bonus to their style. They can protect you from dry eye which can be caused by the wind.
Polarized Sunglasses Can Protect You From The Sun Better
This is not true, but polarized sunglasses do offer some added benefits by wearing them. Polarized sunglasses can cut down on any glare being reflected from passing vehicles and also cut down on glare from any water or pavement. This will help you with your physical activities like riding bikes or kayaking better and can give you a sporty look.
Darker Sunglass Lenses Can Give You Better Protection
Just because the lens is darker doesn’t mean it will be able to protect you better. Just make sure when you’re buying your next pair of shades that they offer 100% UV protection.
Tinted Lenses Can Protect Your Eyes Better
Tinted sunglass lenses will not offer more protection for your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Tinted lenses can offer more contrast which is helpful for you while playing sports which can improve your game.