Think that sunglasses season is just for summer? WRONG! Sunlight contains Ultraviolet (UV) light, which is responsible for causing damage and aging to your eyes. So, protecting your eyes from UV rays is important year-round. In fact, cloudy days with diffuse light still provide enough UV to damage your eyes (1). And have you ever gone outside in the winter without sunglasses and been blinded by the amount of glare off of the snow? This is called snow blindness. Even though it’s not coming directly from the sun, that reflected light isn’t just bright, it still packs a huge punch of UV. The same goes for that bright glare on the sunny waves at the beach.
You can follow the example of our all-season model puppy below:
When you’re shopping for sunglasses, look for sunglasses that are:
- Are 100% UV protective
- Have large enough lenses to cover your eyes entirely
- Fit your face comfortably, and stay in place without falling off
- Look mega cool, of course
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists:
Canadians cannot tell how much UV protection a pair of sunglasses will provide by their price, colour, or by the darkness of the lenses. Consumers should look for labels that list the type and amount of protection. General purpose sunglasses block from 60 to 92 percent of visible light and UVA rays, and between 95 and 99 percent of UVB rays. These sunglasses are good for driving, and are recommended whenever sunlight is harsh enough to cause squinting. Other types of sunglasses, including cosmetic tint and special purpose, are not recommended for driving.
Side note: Brimmed hats add that perfect touch to your boho summer look or your cozy fall outfit, in addition to protecting your eyes and face from UV.
UV light is also strongly linked to aging, including wrinkling and discolouration of your skin. Anti-aging and wrinkle creams may help (2), but protecting your eyes and the skin around them with proper sunglasses should be a consistent part of your skin-care! Finally, UV damage is linked to many skin cancers. If you’re not hoping to have that happen to you, throw on those sunnies!
As your optometrists, we are more than happy to help you find the best sunglasses for you – both in terms of fashion and function. So, get yourself an appointment with one of our eye doctors and pick out the perfect pair for summer, winter, spring, and fall!
References:
- Malik, Aila; Hoenig, Leonard J. (2019). Can aging be slowed down?. Clinics in Dermatology, (), S0738081X19300707–. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.04.003
- Lodén M, Buraczewska I, Halvarsson K. Facial anti-wrinkle cream: influence of product presentation on effectiveness: a randomized and controlled study. Skin Res Technol. 2007 May;13(2):189-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2007.00220.x. PMID: 17374061.