Things You Should Know About Sunglasses

Sunglasses are not only a fashionable accessory but they are a great ally to combat eye conditions derived from solar radiation. We tell you different things you should know about them.

1. Summer, Sun and Eye Health

Summer is coming and Designeroptics.com offers prescription sunglasses. An atypical summer (at least this 2020) where we will use masks and we will have to take extreme care of our eyesight.

If we protect our skin to avoid skin cancer, we must even take care of our eyes. In fact, these are even more sensitive to solar radiation.

In a previous article we already talked about 12 tips to take care of our eyes in summer.Now we will talk about a very important element for that care: Sunglasses.

Although we usually see them more as an accessory, an addition to fashion and styling, the truth is that their most important function is (or should be) to take care of our eyes.

More and more used, sunglasses remain an element with unknown details. We show you some curiosities and information that you should know.

2. Why Wear Sunglasses?

Sunglasses are one of the best methods to protect our eyes from ultraviolet radiation that can cause significant damage both in the present and in the future.

In addition, they allow a more comfortable and safe vision by reducing the intensity of light, which can even be dangerous in certain types of activities: driving, playing sports, sunbathing.

Of course, it must be pointed out that all the glasses that are sold are not safe and can cause more damage than if we did not use any. Throughout the article we will give some keys to better understand this element and what we should look at when buying it.

3. Prevention of Eye Problems

Taking care of our sight is essential. Whether you see well or have low vision, sunglasses allow us to prevent future conditions. That should be our main reason for use. Then come the fashions, models and others.

Most of the population is unaware that the sun can cause us permanent damage and that over the years it can lead to unpleasant complications.

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage eye structures such as the cornea, retina, iris, lens, and other tissues.

4. Sunglasses and Children

If solar radiation can harm adults, you can already imagine how harmful it can be for children.

A high exposure during childhood can lead to some of the conditions discussed above, especially cataracts or macular degeneration in the future.

The lens does not begin to function at full capacity until the age of 12. That makes them much more sensitive to ultraviolet rays since it is the part of the eye that works as a filter.

For all this, it is essential to protect the eyes of babies from 6 months.

5. Where to Buy Sunglasses

If we want to buy safe sunglasses that really protect us, we must go to opticians, pharmacies or specialized stores where we know that their products comply with the regulations. (which we will see in depth later).

In addition, in these establishments we will always find specialists who can advise us to find those glasses that best suit our needs.

On some occasion we will be tempted to want to buy a very cool model in a market or souvenir shop, for example. If so, we have to ensure that they adhere to European legislation that regulates the appropriate characteristics of sunglasses. In most cases we will not be able to know for sure.

Types of Sunglasses

Derived from the degrees of the filters discussed above, we can highlight several types of sunglasses.

The best known are:

· Photochromic: They are used mainly when we have to go in and out of a place often. Ideal for those who do not like to go around changing glasses. It is the lens that adapts to the light and, although they have improved a lot in recent years, there are sunglasses that offer better protection.

· With mirror: These glasses offer maximum protection. They have a coating on the surface of the lens that allows part of the light to be reflected, preventing it from reaching the eye. They are recommended for activities such as skiing, water sports or situations in which there is a risk of glare.

· Polarized: This type of lens blocks part of the reflections that we could not eliminate with conventional sunglasses and only allow useful light to pass through. In this way we avoid glare and we have a sharper vision, with higher contrast and with less eye fatigue. They are highly recommended glasses for use on the high seas or in the mountains.

· Made of polycarbonate: They are the lightest and most resistant to shocks. They offer a level of protection superior to organic or glass. Indicated for sports or outdoor use

· Basic: With colored crystals (we will see it next)