Come in and learn about taking care of your eyes and why sunglasses can be a crucial part for eye care, stop by Hicksville Family Eye Care today and learn more!

Sunglasses: More Than Just a Fashion Statement

While sunlight is undeniably beautiful, excessive exposure can be harmful. Sunglasses, beyond being a stylish accessory, serve a crucial function by preventing sun damage to the eyes and ensuring improved and protected vision.

We all know about the risks of ultraviolet (UV) radiation to our skin, from sunburn to skin cancer. However, fewer people are aware of the potential harm UV exposure can pose to eyesight. While over 80% of Americans recognize the link between extended UV exposure and skin cancer, less than 10% are aware of its potential harm to their eyes. Furthermore, there's a common misconception, with 20% of Americans believing that UV damage to the eyes is reversible.

Due to this lack of awareness, many people neglect taking proper steps to safeguard their vision. Less than half of Americans get regular eye exams, a crucial step in detecting and preventing serious vision problems and eye diseases. Moreover, more than 40% of individuals don't wear UV-blocking sunglasses during winter months when UV rays remain a threat.

Quality Matters When It Comes to Sunglasses

Did you know that wearing subpar sunglasses can be worse than having no sun protection at all? Sunglasses without UV protection can increase exposure to UV rays. Inadequate sunglasses may block some light, causing the eye's pupil to enlarge and allow more light, including harmful UV rays. Quality sunglasses are designed to absorb UVA and UVB rays. However, not all sunglasses block 100% of UV rays, making it essential to choose lenses that provide full UVA and UVB protection to prevent potential sun damage to the eyes.

Considering the potential harm of UV exposure, everyone must wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays for effective eye protection.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses are used to reduce eyestrain and improve the quality of vision in patients on especially sunny days, making them ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors. They can do this because they have a special filter that blocks some of the light from passing through the lens. Vertical light is allowed to pass through, while horizontal light, such as that which bounces off of water and can be blinding, is blocked. Polarized lenses are most often used in sunglasses since they are worn outdoors, and the wearer also needs to protect their eyes from UV damage.