Recovering from Neck Pain

A Look At The Myths And Facts About Sunglasses

by Janet Burns

Are you in the market for sunglasses, but are confused by conflicting information? Have you heard so many myths about eyewear that you need help sorting out the facts? This look at the truth about sunglasses should help you make up your mind when deciding on your next purchase: 

Myth: Size does not matter Fact: When you move your head, you expose your eyes to light from all angles. Not only does it come straight from the sun, it can also bounce off reflective surfaces and go straight into your eyes. Guard your eyes from sudden flashes of blinding light with larger lenses. The bigger size can also block UV (Ultraviolet radiation) rays from hitting your eyes and eyelids. Because this is an area difficult to cover with sunscreen, choosing larger lenses will help protect the surrounding skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Myth: Sunlight can't harm your eyes Fact: UV rays can damage your retina, lens, and the whites  of your eyes. It can also cause photokeratitis, the painful burning and blistering of your cornea. Although it doesn't cause blindness, it causes the vision to temporarily become blurred. This condition can occur any time you're exposed to the sun, regardless of whether or not the sunlight doesn't appear to be bright. Long term effects include an increase risk of cataracts, and vision loss due to degeneration of the spot near the center of the retina. 

Myth: Darker tinted lenses are more protective than lighter tinted lenses Fact: You can't judge the UV protection of a lens by its color. Some sunglasses may have the slightest tint, yet offer 100% protection, while sunglasses with dark lenses and no UV protection can cause your pupils to become dilated and expose your eye to even more harmful UV rays. Make sure to check each pair with a professional before making a choice based on lens color. 

Myth: Sunglasses are only necessary during warm weather. Fact: It's important to protect your eyes year round from the effects of UV rays. Even indirect sunlight on a cloudy day can affect your eyes, so make sure to wear your sunglasses every time you head outdoors. 

Myth: Sunglasses with proper protection are too expensive Fact: You can find a wide range of sunglasses in a variety of stylish frames that will fit any price range. You don't have to break your budget to look good while protecting your eyes. You may even find that the sunglasses are so affordable that you'll want to build up an entire wardrobe of frames, choosing styles that match your mood or your newest outfits.  

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