In part one, we showed you the very important medical reasons why you need a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Now we’ll show you how to get a perfect pair.
With the availability of sunglasses at many types of retail locations, it’s important to be a smart shopper and keep a few things in mind:1. You have to like them. If you don’t, you won’t wear them as much as you should. They need to fit well, rest comfortably on your face, and foster good vision. They need to look great. They need to protect your eyes. They need to be built from quality materials and components. They need to feel right. The best way to achieve all this? Have a qualified optician help you.
2. An indication of UV protection is critical. If UVA and UVB protection aren’t specifically indicated, it usually means the same number applies to both. Look for 99% or 100%. If there’s no indication of UV protection at all, no matter how cool they look, skip them and get something else.
3. Price is definitely a factor in effective UV protection. It’s true that many $10 gas station cheapies offer UV protection. But the real question is how long will that protection last? In many cases, cheaply manufactured shades use a thin sprayed-on UV coating which can easily wear off within weeks. Conversely, virtually all better sunglasses (made by respected companies and sold at good optical stores like Davis Duehr Dean) not only block UVA and UVB, the protection lasts forever because it’s part of the lens material itself — it doesn’t wear off or fade. So there really is a reason why better sunglasses cost more.
Can you find an inexpensive pair of sunglasses that fulfills all the safety, quality and style requirements? Sure, but the general rule of “you get what you pay for” still applies. And remember: It’s your eyes we’re talkin’ about here!
4. Spend a little extra money on preventative maintenance. That means a nice case or two to keep the lenses protected, an appropriate cleaning solution (again, an optician can assist here) and a clean, soft lint-free cloth.
This summer, for the long-term health and safety of your eyes, insist on a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. The more you’re outside, the more important it is to make sure your eyes—and your family’s eyes—are properly protected. With the right sunglasses, you’ll have not only a great fashion accessory, but effective sun protection, too.
For more information and to see the latest styles of UV-blocking sunglasses, contact Davis Duehr Dean.
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