There is no better way to see on a sunny day than by wearing sunglasses. But did you know that sunglasses can also be your first line of defense against ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause short- and long-term eye damage? When eyes are exposed to strong sunlight without proper eye protection, or when wearing glasses that have inadequate UV filtering, those UV rays can burn the cornea and cause temporary blindness after only a few hours of exposure.

Long-term sun exposure is also associated with some very serious eye diseases including cataracts and eye cancer. A lifetime of exposure may also increase progression of age-related macular degeneration, a condition known to cause blindness. When it comes to protecting your eyes from UV rays the earlier you start wearing sunglasses, the better. Children are just as at-risk of exposure to UV rays as are adults.

How to gauge sunglasses for protection

Protection from harmful UV rays is so important, it should be one of the first things to consider when purchasing sunglasses; protect your eyes from the sun. Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays. Expense should not be a concern when buying sunglasses, as less expensive pairs with 100 percent UV-blocking ability can be just as effective as those pricier options.

Check the label and only buy 100% UV blocking. While very dark lenses may seem fashionable, they may not be built to block UV rays. Sunglasses are also available in a wide range of colors including amber, green or gray lenses. Various colors can increase contrast, but they may not block UV rays. And, forget about buying those skinny little sunglasses. When it comes to UV protection, more coverage is better! Consider buying oversized glasses or wraparound-style glasses, which also helps cut down on UV exposure from the side.

What about polarization? Polarization does help to reduce glare from reflection such as water or other bright surfaces like pavement. Because it cuts down on glare, polarization can make activities such as driving or boating easier on the eyes and therefore safer, but polarization does not offer more protection from UV rays.

Checking old favorites for UV Protection

If you have a favorite pair of sunglasses, but are not sure about the UV protection factor, simply take them to your preferred optical shop. Any shop that has a UV light meter will be able to test your sunglasses for UV protection.