Dear Doctor Column, May 29, 2006

Choosing Sunglasses for Maximum Eye Protection

Question:

Which type of sunglasses offer the best eye protection? For example, are darker shades better?

Answer

Most Americans know ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to skin cancer, but many are not aware you need to protect your eyes from UV radiation, as well as your skin. According to a recent article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, exposure to UV radiation can damage the structure of the eyes, especially the cornea, lens, and retina. Excessive sun exposure can contribute to a number of eyes disorders, including cataracts, clouding of the eye’s lens that can cause blurred vision, sensitivity to light and glare. UV radiation also can lead to increased near-sightedness and age-related macular degeneration, deterioration of the center portion of the retina responsible for focusing central vision, which allows us to see objects in fine detail. Research also has linked UV rays with development of benign (noncancerous) growths on eye surfaces and skin cancer on the eyelids and around the eyes.

The right sunglasses can shield your eyes and lids from harmful rays, but making the best selection is often confusing. When choosing sunglasses, think maximum protection, not fashion. Check the label; it should say the shades offer 100% UV protection. You should also look for wrap-around styles that block light from reaching the sides of your eyes. These designs not only keep UV rays from damaging vulnerable eye structures, they can help prevent skin cancer of the eyelids. Sunglasses with side and overhead shields offer even more protection, and you might want to consider these features when you are at the beach or taking part in other activities that involve a lot of UV exposure, such as skiing, boating, and tennis.

Darker lenses may not be best – they can distort colors, such as the red and green of traffic lights, and also can cause the eyes to dilate, which can let in more damaging rays. UV protection is not directly related to darkness or tint, and some translucent lenses, such as those made of polycarbonate, provide 100% UV protection. Neutral gray and amber lenses are good choices that allow you to see color without distortion. Polarizing lenses minimize glare, but don’t block UV rays. And be aware that scratches on lenses can scatter incoming UV and visible light and cause glare.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) offers this additional advice:

ü Good UV protection doesn’t have to carry a high price tag. The AOA recommends sunglasses offering 99% to 100% UV protection. These levels can be found along the price spectrum. Look for sunglasses with the AOA’s Seal of Acceptance.

ü UV damage is cumulative. Encourage children to wear sunglasses whenever they are out in the sun. Their eyes are most susceptible to UV damage because the eye’s lens has not yet begun to cloud.

ü Ask for a UV coating on your prescription glasses. Some brands of contact lenses also offer some degree of UV protection, but they will not fully protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses over them.

ü If you really want those high-fashion frames, be aware that your eye-care professional can fit them with lenses that offer adequate UV protection.

ü Wearing sunglasses not only keeps the sun from damaging the skin around your eyes, it cuts down on squinting, which helps stave off fine lines and wrinkles.

Also keep these important UV facts in mind:

ü Reflective surfaces, such as sand, water, and snow, dramatically increase UV exposure.

ü UV rays are most intense between 10 am and 2 pm; 50% of UV radiation occurs during this 4-hour period.

ü UV radiation is greater in the spring, summer, and fall, but can still cause damage in the winter.

ü The higher the altitude or the closer you are to the equator, the greater the UV exposure.

ü Like your skin, your eyes can still sustain damage on a cloudy day.

ü Just as light-skinned people are advised to use more skin protection, people with light-colored eyes may need stronger eye protection, because they have less pigmentation and are more susceptible to UV damage.

ü Check with your pharmacist if you are on any medications. Many drugs can cause photosensitivity.

Simply wearing a wide-brimmed hat can reduce overhead UV exposure by half. Prescription eyeglasses can provide some UV protection, and some contact lenses have built-in UV protection. Check with your eye-care professional for additional advice.