A recent study out of Brazil looked at current industry testing on sunglasses and found they don’t adequately determine how long it’s safe to wear them.
The concern is that lenses don’t keep the same level of UV protection after years of sun exposure.
Right now, we have no current recommendation for when we should replace our sunglasses but experts suggest they be replaced after two years.
Protecting your eyes from the sun is very important because the sun’s ultraviolet or UV rays can burn your eyes just like it can burn your skin. The eyelids help protect your eyes but the skin is thin. Too much sun exposure can lead to cataracts, retina damage, vision loss, growths on the eyes as well as cancer.
Sunglasses are often seen as a fashion accessory but their most important job is to protect your eyes. So here are my prescriptions for your next purchase:
Partha’s RX for Protecting Your Eyesight
1. Size and Fit Matter
Bigger offers more protection if you’re outside for long periods of time.
2. Buy Lenses labeled “100% UV protection” or “UV400”
You want to block out 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s radiation.
3. Cost doesn’t affect UV blockage
They can be cheap or expensive – they just need the proper UV protection.
4. Get Your Eyes Checked Regularly
Eye diseases are common and many can begin with no symptoms.
I’d recommend you don’t buy sunglasses sitting all day in the sun because you don’t know how long they’ve been exposed to the sun’s UV rays. It could affect their longevity and not protect your eyes as long as you’d like them to.
