Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement – they are a unique tool in your arsenal to optimize eye health! But, choosing just any pair of sunglasses to cover your eyes won’t offer complete protection. It’s important to choose the right pair of polarized sunglasses to decrease damage associated with UV-A and UV-B rays. Discover the seriousness of UV-A and UV-B rays, why polarized sunglasses are better than non-polarized, and more.
Understanding the Seriousness of UV-A & UV-B Rays
While most people grab their sunglasses when the sun is high in the sky, it’s very important to wear your polarized sunglasses when the sun is rising and setting, as well. During these two periods of the day, the sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays are shining at eye level instead of above you. They have an easier time going straight into your eye or you accidentally look into the sun. When these rays enter your eye time and time again, you could suffer eye injuries or conditions such as:
- Blindness
- Blurred vision
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
To protect your current and future eye health, make it a habit to wear your polarized sunglasses any time you walk outside. (Yes, even when it’s cloudy!) Doing this will dramatically protect your eyes from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays.
Polarized Versus Non-Polarized Sunglasses
The difference between polarized sunglasses and non-polarized is the special coating on the lens of polarized sunglasses that protects your eyes from the bright sun. With polarized sunglasses, you can expect:
- Filtered sunlight
- Increased contrast
- Reduced reflections, haze, and glare
Non-polarized sunglasses will de-intensify the sunlight that’s streaming down on your eyes, but they don’t do much for glares, haze, and reflections. If you’re ready to purchase polarized sunglasses, stop by our optical shop today.