Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement – they also protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Good sunglasses are important for eye health and the doctors at Berkeley Eye Center have created a guide of sunglass specifics and choosing the right sunglasses for every outdoor activity. Venturing outside for sports, driving, and everyday leisure exposes your eyes to the sun. Protect them with the right frames and lenses for your activity of choice.
UV Eye Damage
The doctors at the Berkeley Eye Center see patients every year with sun-damaged eyes. UV damage can cause a variety of eye problems. A Berkeley Eye doctor can find nearly all of these conditions with a routine eye exam. Contact your local Berkeley Eye today and schedule an appointment. UV exposure to your eyes can cause:
- Eyelid Cancer
- Intraocular Melanoma
- Conjunctival Cancer
- Cataracts
- Macular Degeneration
- Corneal Sunburn
Choosing The Right Sunglasses for Every Activity
Sunglasses are vital to protection your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Texans love spending time outdoors, and sunglasses should be worn just like sunblock. Each time you step outside for your activity of choice, grab a pair of glasses that will do the job. Each activity has a unique frame and lens that is best:
Driving. Wearing sunglasses while driving can help reduce eye strain and improve vision for safe driving. Mirrored and polarized lenses can help reduce road glare and reflect light away from your eyes. Amber, gray, and yellow lenses are recommended for driving. Choose a frame style that is comfortable and won’t cause a headache during long periods of wear.
Everyday Leisure. Taking walks in the neighborhood, lounging by the pool, or sitting outside and enjoying the view – all are outdoor leisure activities that should be enjoyed with sunglasses. Plastic frames are lightweight and most comfortable for extended use. Green and gray lenses are great for general purpose as they provide a true color perception.
Sports. The market for performance sunglasses is enormous! Many sunglass companies are geared towards sport specific frames and lenses, tailoring the styling and engineering to help maximize your performance and experience. Polycarbonate lenses are nylon frames are high impact resistant and comfortable. Lower impact activities can consider plastic frames and glass lenses. Non-slip frames are a must for water activities if you want to keep those glasses off the bottom of the lake or river!
Berkeley Eye Center Preventative Care
The eye doctors at Berkeley Eye Center are available at a location near you for yearly eye exams. Preventative eye care is the best way to catch the early signs of UV damage to your eyes. If you have concerns about sun damage to your eyes, contact one of the 20 clinics located across Texas in Houston, Katy, Kingwood, The Woodlands and Corpus Christi. With over 50 years of caring for the eyes of Texas, Berkeley is your choice for preventative eye care.