Sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes. Without them, ultraviolet rays can damage the eye's lens and cornea, which can lead to cataracts or skin cancer in the fragile tissue around the eye. In this video, Dr. Muiños shares several recommendations for an appropriate choice and here we also mention some relevant aspects:
ultraviolet protection
Sunglasses must have 100% protection against UVB and UVA rays. The lenses must also block UV wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. UV-protective sunglasses that have scratches should be replaced or repaired, as damage to the protective coating can let UV rays through. UV protection is especially important for children and adolescents. The eyes of people under the age of 18 absorb more UV rays than those of adults. 80% of lifetime UV exposure occurs before the age of 18.
Size
Larger frames cover a larger area of the face, thus providing more protection for the skin and eyes. Wraparound lens sunglasses can be beneficial in blocking rays coming from the sides.
Color
Because the UV protective coating is transparent, darker lenses are not necessarily more beneficial than lighter lenses. However, the tint of the glasses may be more suitable for certain environments. While gray goggles reduce overall glare without distorting color, amber lenses work better in low-light conditions and can improve depth perception.
Quality
Sunglasses that don't provide UV protection can actually make your eyes more vulnerable to damage. Dark glasses without UV protection block visible light, causing the pupils to dilate. Without UV protection, even more harmful UV rays can enter your eyes through your dilated pupils, even if you feel like you're protected.
El Dr. José Alberto Muiños, specialist ophthalmologist at Miranza Clínica Muiños, gives us some tips for choosing sunglasses, always bearing in mind that they are approved and that they incorporate the filters and types of lenses that suit our needs.
