Designer Sunglasses

Most of us are aware of the harmful effects of UV rays to our skin, but not the damage it can cause to the eyes. UV damage can put you at risk for cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, melanomas, photokeratitis or "sunburn of the eye.” Living in Florida we are exposed to these harmful UV rays on a daily basis. The effect of UV radiation is cumulative over our lifetime, so it is also important for children and teens to wear sunglasses.

The most important thing to consider when buying sunglasses is not the darkest of the tint but how much UV is being blocked. Lightly tinted lenses can block up to 100% of UV rays. The American Optometric Association recommends the use of sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays to protect the eyes from this radiation. While some contact lenses will provide UV protection, they only protect the part of the eye which they are covering. Sunglasses are still needed to protect the conjunctiva, the sclera (white part of the eye), and the eyelids from UV radiation.

Polarized lenses are used in sunglasses to reduce glare from horizontal surfaces. By only allowing certain light waves to pass through the lens, polarized lenses greatly reduce reflections from surfaces like roads or water.