FUN AND THE SUMMER SUN

Summer is here and in full swing.  That means bright, sunny days, and longer days to boot!  So the big question is, are you sporting the most important of summertime accessories?  No, I don’t mean flip flops, sundresses, or swim suits.  I’m talking about THE most important: Sunglasses.
June is Cataract Awareness Month.  According to Prevent Blindness America, over 22 million Americans are affected by cataracts, resulting in an annual estimated treatment cost of about $6.8 billion.  Luckily, unlike many other eye diseases, vision loss caused by cataracts has the potential of being restored.  Early detection and prevention measures are key!

So what exactly is a cataract you may ask?  A cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye.  Women are at a higher risk than men for developing cataracts.  In addition, people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes are also at high risk.  Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, advanced age, family history of cataracts, and high blood pressure.  However, one of the most prominent risk factors is prolonged exposure to UV rays, which can cause cataracts and also accelerate the development of existing cataracts.

That is where sunglasses come in.  Sunglasses act as sunscreen for the eyes, essentially blocking your eyes from the same harmful rays that cause sunburns and skin cancer.  Almost all UV light that enters the eye from sunlight is absorbed by the cornea and the lens of the eye.  Sunglasses are your safety net against those pesky UV rays!

What should you look for when buying a good pair of sunglasses?  Fashion aside, there are a few other key qualities your shades should have in order to give your peepers the ultimate protection.  One of the most important things to look for on the glasses is a UV rating sticker.  It should say the glasses will block 99-100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.  These are the most harmful rays.  Some more expensive brands will also say they block UV-C rays, which is a less common ultraviolet source and for the most part is blocked by the ozone layer.  Polarized lenses are an additional way to get crisp vision with sunglasses and cut glare, however, polarization alone will not protect your eyes, so be sure your polarized sunwear also contains UV protection.

So remember this summer as you’re headed to the pool, the beach, the lake, or a barbeque, don’t forget the hottest summer accessory: your sunglasses.  Your vision might just depend on it!