Monthly Archives: February 2022

When it comes to sunglasses, it’s not just about fashion sense (well, it’s a little about fashion). It’s important to know what to look for in a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays. But you may have a few questions about coverage. How do I know if my eyes are fully protected? Do I need glasses for UVA and UVB rays? What are polarized glasses? Are glasses from the drug store worse than ones from the eye doctor?

First and foremost, the main thing you need to be mindful of is the label on the sunglasses. Make sure it says 100% UV Protection.

The main thing you want to look for is the label that says it provides 100% UV Protection.

What does that mean?

The sun gives off three different kinds of rays. One of the rays is UVC, which is blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere. However, the other two make it through – UVA and UVB rays. While UVA rays may not be as harmful as UVB, they can still be damaging and can penetrate glass. UVB rays don’t necessarily penetrate glass, but they are the most dangerous, and the main reason you need sun protection.

You should invest in a pair of sunglasses that have 100% protection against both UV rays because you don’t want to damage your eyesight.

Keep in mind you can also look for a label that reads UV 400 which will protect you from both sets of rays as well. If you want to increase the protection, consider getting larger sunglasses or choose sunglasses that wrap around. The more coverage the better, and less chance UV rays can damage your eyes.

UV rays can cause both short-lived or long-term damage. They cause wrinkles, eye damage that can lead to vision loss and cataracts and even forms of cancer. Over time, the UV damage can accumulate, so it’s best to start off with sunglasses at a young age.

As long as your sunglasses protect against UVA and UVB rays, your eyes will be protected. Both drugstore and prescription glasses offer 100% coverage. Glasses from your eye provider are generally of higher quality and can be a better fit for your face, but drug store glasses are also a great, cheaper alternative.

Polarized or prescription sunglasses will also not increase your protection but might be nice perks depending on your needs and lifestyle.

Also, just because it’s not summer, doesn’t mean you can put away the sunglasses just yet. In fact, you should never really put your sunglasses away. UV rays can make their way through the clouds. You can also experience glares from various surfaces, including snow. You might think there is no need for sunglasses on a cloudy or cold day, but that’s a myth. Winter is actually one of the most important times to remember your sunglasses because snow can be reflective and blinding to look at.

You should always carry a pair of sunglasses. The amount you spend doesn’t necessarily indicate quality as long as it offers 100% UV protection — that’s what counts.

If you need help picking out glasses or sunglasses, need an eye exam or just have a few questions about eye health, come see us! Don’t hesitate to talk to us and learn more about how you can improve your vision. Just give us a call at (801) 476-0494

There is nothing like a beautiful sunny day. The warm sun on your face can really uplift your mood. But your eyes probably feel differently. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause serious damage to our eyes as we age. And unfortunately, ultraviolet rays don’t take a holiday. They can damage your eyes all year long, even in the winter.

Many people only think to grab a pair of sunnies when they’re hitting the beach or a long day in the sun. But for the best protection, you should keep a pair of sunglasses with you all year long. It’s a good idea to keep a pair in your glove compartment for car use and anytime you’re outside for an extended period of time, no matter what time of year.

Thankfully, a good pair of sunglasses can provide the protection you need (and might even make you look a little cooler).

But with so many sunglass shapes, colors and sizes, it can be difficult to figure out which shades look best on you.

If you’re looking for a few tips, here’s a quick guide on what to look for:

UVA vs. UVB

Ultraviolet light comes in two types of radiation – UVA and UVB. These rays are responsible for skin cancer, wrinkles and eye problems like cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. A high-quality pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes against both types of light. If the glasses aren’t labeled as protecting against both, they most likely don’t. Make sure to check (or ask your doctor) about frames that filter both. You can also visit a helpful site similar to https://lowcostglasses.co.uk/, where they sell high-quality eyeglasses at a cheap price.

Size

Uncomfortable sunglasses won’t do you much good since you probably won’t wear them much. Find the right kind of glasses to fit your face. Frames that are too narrow could cause headaches and irritation – but if they’re too big, it could be hard to keep them on. Try on lots of pairs to find the best fit before you buy. Your eye specialist can adjust the arms a bit to be a little more or less snug, too.

Polarized lenses

During your search for sunglasses, you’ll probably run across some with polarized lenses, which block the visible rays reflected off a flat surface such as water, snow or asphalt. If you ski, are active outdoors or live by the water, polarized lenses might be a good fit. For some, however, the lenses can cause a distorting look. The best way to decide if you like these or not is to try them on.

Other protection

Sunglasses aren’t the only thing that can protect your eyes during the summer. A wide-brimmed hat or visor will help keep the sunlight off your face, protecting your eyes and the skin on your face and neck from the dangerous UV rays.

Prescription

If you wear glasses or contacts, you might want to think about prescription sunglasses. These are great options if you wear glasses. You can just pop on your prescription glasses when needed and switch to regular frames when indoors. You can also check out transition glasses, which have become more popular in recent years.

Ready to find your perfect shades?

Whether you get your sunglasses from an eye doctor or your local drug store, finding the right pair that mixes comfort, style and protection mean your eyes have a better chance of avoiding sun-related health problems. But we can help guide you to find the perfect fit and frame for your lifestyle. Ask us about prescription sunglasses or transition shades, too. Visit our website to learn more: http://www.utaheyecenters.com/