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:
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and a few experts at the Cancer Center at the University of Texas are encouraging women to try a centuries-old device to help keep skin protected from damaging UV rays.
A parasol.
Wait. Seriously?
“Opening a parasol or umbrella on a blazing hot day continues to be a stylish and effective way to prevent skin cancer in many countries,” says Susan Chon, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at UT.
Parasols not only help keep women extra cool, they also protect skin from the early signs of aging. “Sadly, not many people carry parasols in the United States, but in other countries, it is a way of life,” Chon says.
Maybe she’s on to something. After all, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and more than one million cases are caused by overexposure to the sun, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Skip parasols made of paper or extremely thin cloth,” Chon says. “They offer little or no protection from the sun. Instead, get a parasol in thicker, darker colored fabric.”
Many websites that sell Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing also have fun, colorful parasols. UPF indicates how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation can penetrate the fabric in clothing. Some of these parasols block as much as 95 percent of UV rays — pretty impressive.
So what do YOU think of this centuries-old method of sun protection?
It’s undeniable, isn’t it? Rock a great pair of sunglasses and look like a celebrity. Or at least look pretty hip. Ever since fighter pilots and movie stars started wearing them almost 80 years ago, sunglasses are our most visible fashion accessory and synonymous with cool.
But there are much more compelling reasons to wear sunglasses. In this two-part series, we’ll not only show you why you need a good pair of sunglasses for preventative eye care, but also how to find the perfect pair.
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