Protective Sunglasses…Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Coach. We all know the brands. Whether they are big and bold, or glittery and gold, sunglasses have become a popular fashion accessory. If you are buying a new pair of sunglasses this summer, make sure to choose carefully with eye protection in mind.
Unfortunately, many of today’s designer brands fall short on providing sunglasses for UV protection and actual sun protection. Statistically, 7 out of 10 adults will develop a sun-related disorder during their lifetime, and medical studies show that eyelid cancers, cataracts, and macular degeneration (aging retinal disease) are caused by long-term sun exposure. Invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays, along with blue-violet visible rays, pose a potential hazard to the human eye.
Polarized sunglasses (which include UV block) provide the most complete protection from damaging sun rays. As Dr. Manger would tell you, polarized sunglasses are the best sunglasses for eye protection and are recommended for everyone, every day of the year, whether you have had LASIK surgery or not. Protective eyewear that include polarized lenses provide the best protection from glare from water or snow as well. Sunglasses should be worn whenever you are exposed to the sun’s rays — even when driving in a car on a cloudy day.
Keep in mind not all sunglasses are polarized. This is the key feature to look for when purchasing sunglasses. Our optical department can determine if your sunglasses are polarized or not. We have a wide selection of polarized sunglasses to choose from, including the popular Maui Jim line. If you love those Chanel frames, we can put polarized lenses in them for you as well to create custom sunglasses. So the next time you buy sunglasses, look for a pair of good quality, protective sunglasses with polarized lenses to protect your valuable eyesight. Polarized sunglasses will cost in the range of $80 and above for a good quality pair.