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Sunglasses: more than a fashion statement       Send a link to a friend

[JULY 6, 2005]  We all know the importance of using sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun's harmful rays, but what about protection for our eyes?

In honor of UV Safety Month, celebrated throughout the month of July, eye doctors across the nation are urging Americans to protect their eyes and those of their children by wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats.

"Recent studies have shown that prolonged exposure to the sun's invisible, high-energy ultraviolet rays without protection may cause eye conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration," said Mark Hilliard, administrator of the Logan County Health Department. "During the summer months the level of ultraviolet radiation is three times greater than [in] the winter. The more exposure to bright light, the greater the chances of developing these serious eye problems."

Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are the best defense system for your eyes. To be effective, both must be worn every time you're outside for prolonged periods of time, even when it's overcast.

But what type of sunglasses should you buy?

"The most important thing is to purchase sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays," said Hilliard. "Don't be misled by the color of the lens or the price tag dangling from the frame."

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The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens. UV protection can come from adding chemicals to the lens material during manufacturing or from a chemical coating applied to the lens surface. Moreover, as for the cost, many $10 sunglasses provide equal or greater protection than a $100 pair. With expensive sunglasses, you are paying for style, frame quality and options such as scratch-resistant coatings, not protective ability.

In addition to the damage caused by repeated sun exposure over time, you need to protect your eyes from acute damage caused by a single day in the sun. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light reflected off sand, snow or pavement could burn the eye's surface. Similar to sunburns, eye surface burns usually disappear within a couple of days but may lead to further complications later in life.

Have fun in the sun this summer, but do remember to use optimal care in protecting your eyes!

[Logan County Health Department news release]

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