Depending on your outdoor lifestyle, you also may want to explore performance sunglasses or sport sunglasses. The amount of UV protection sunglasses provide is unrelated to the colour and darkness of the lenses. For example, a light amber-coloured lens can provide the same UV protection as a dark grey lens. Your optician can verify that the lenses you choose to provide 100 percent UV protection.
Sunglasses are important especially in winter, because fresh snow can reflect 80 percent of UV rays, nearly doubling your overall exposure to solar UV radiation. If you ski or snowboard, choosing the right ski goggles is essential for adequate UV protection.
When buying sunglasses, the only assurance we have of their UV protection is what’s on the label, and this can be as vague as ‘absorbs UV’. Even if your new sunglasses have a reliable safety rating, UV protection can wear off. Just as you need to re-apply sun cream, your sunglasses UV protection can also fade with time. So, how do you know when it’s time to retire your much loved shades?
To provide adequate protection, here are some top tips for picking your sunglasses:
Look for sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of all UV light. UV absorption up to 400nm is equal to 100% UV absorption.
Screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
Have lenses that are perfectly matched in colour and free of distortion and imperfection.
Larger frames, wraparound and closer fitting styles provide better protection from stray light.
A higher price tag doesn’t guarantee quality. Cheaper sunglasses can offer superior eye protection over expensive counterparts.
Polarized lenses help cut glare, but do not add sun protection.
If you participate in potentially eye-hazardous outdoor work or sports, your sunglass lenses should be made from polycarbonate or Trivex® material.
If your sunglasses are old, ask your optician to test their UV protection.
