Let’s talk about sunglasses. If you’re like many people, you probably have chosen cheap ones for years because you sit on them, lose them or someone else “borrows” them. But while cheap shades are saving your pocketbook, they can be costing you your eyesight. While you may still be tempted to reach for a pair from your local drug store rack — and some of them are really cute — pass them up and read this. 

Can Cheap Sunglasses Burn Your Eyes?

Cheap shades offer no protection against the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, which can damage your eyeballs and cause both skin and eye cancers or growths on the eye. These can affect your site and appearance.

This is why we suggest that you select shades that offer 99 to 100 percent blockage from both UVA and UVB rays for optimal protection.

Sounds easy enough, right? Not so fast. The U.S. does not enforce any regulations for manufacturers of sunglasses to rate their products’ level of protection, so while you think that cute pair is protecting you, they could be accelerating sun damage.

One way you can make sure you buy only the best protection is to look for a UV coating on the lenses. But, keep in mind, this coating can wear off over time.

Does Polarization Matter?

You’ve probably seen stickers on lenses advertising polarization. This means protection from glare, or the reflection of light from other objects. Polarization doesn’t add any extra protection for your eyes; it can help reduce strain on the eyes and squinting, which strains the skin around the eye when you do it repeatedly.

We recommend that you wear sunglasses whenever you go outside and pair them with a hat for additional eye protection. Additionally, we recommend that when you go out, you add sunscreen to your routine to give your skin protection, too.

Want to learn more about sunglasses and how to protect your eyes in Texas? Call Dr. Mayli Davis today at 817-778-4444 for more information.