DETROIT – What is the deciding factor when you buy a pair of sunglasses? Price, size, shape, color, UV protection, polarization, and tint are just some of the things to consider.
If you are wearing sunglasses anyway, I would argue that wearing a pair that will protect the health of your eyes is something to consider. According to Doctor Nitin Kumar, a Henry Ford Health ophthalmologist, not enough people think about that. According to Doctor Kumar, protection from the invisible ultraviolet rays is the most important.
“UV A and UV B rays are the ones that cause damage to ocular structures,” Kumar said.
While the amount of darkness or tint that a pair of sunglasses provides will make it more comfortable to be in the sun, that is different from ultraviolet protection. Also, price is no guarantee of proper ultraviolet protection.
According to Kumar, “Inexpensive sunglasses oftentimes are just as good as more expensive sunglasses.” He suggests looking for a sticker or label that says the glasses protect against both UV A and UV B.
Another important part of protecting your eyes is how the glasses fit on your face. Well-fitting glasses should be at the top of your nose bridge with a good fit around your ears, so they do not move too much with activity. Glasses that wrap around or have flaps that reduce light coming in from the side can also add protection.
While sunglasses without UV protection are not directly harmful, they can indirectly cause harm primarily in two ways. First, the shade they provide will cause your pupils to dilate if there is no UV protection that will allow more UV radiation to pass deeper into your eyes. Second, Doctor Kumar points out, “it’ll give you a false sense of security that I’m doing the proper things to protect my eyes whereas you’re not filtering out the most harmful rays.”
The concern over exposure to UV light is serious. According to Kumar ultraviolet light can damage the cornea, cause cataracts, and can worsen macular degeneration.
Related: Henry Ford expert shares tips on choosing sunglasses for kids