Sunglasses Function Over Fashion !

Sunglasses can be glamorous, expressive, and even iconic, as Jacqueline Kennedy taught us. They tell the world a lot about our sense of style and personal taste—so much so that we often forget they’re not just a fashion accessory, but also a very important utility that we need to protect our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation in UVA and UVB forms that are absorbed through the pupils of our eyes. Just as these rays can be damaging to our skin, they can also do the same to our eyes. Macular degeneration and cataracts are both forms of such eye damage. In fact, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 55 in the United States, and cataracts affect about half of all people over the age of 80. People with diabetes have a 40% increased risk of developing cataracts—plus, their cataracts develop earlier and more quickly than in people who don’t have the disease. Thankfully, sunglasses with UV protection can block all of the ultraviolet radiation from both UVA and UVB rays. The problem is, most people choose fashion over function. Nowadays, you can buy sunglasses everywhere—from drug stores to fancy department stores—but don’t let price be your guide. Not all expensive, designer shades have UV protection. Look for shades that are certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB radiation. Glasses should fit tightly but comfortably on your face. They shouldn’t slide down your nose, or fall off if you move briskly or shake your head from side to side. Wear them every time you go outside, even if it’s cloudy, because ultraviolet radiation filters through the clouds. You should abide by the same rule that you apply to sunscreen: Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean its radiation can’t harm you. Sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection do not have to be expensive. There are many affordable pairs to choose from—and some are downright cheap! Opt for protection first, then fashion.