Sunglasses are a must-have accessory for many people. Not only do they serve as a fashion statement, but they also help protect our eyes from harmful UV rays.

However, not all sunglasses are created equal, and wearing the wrong ones can actually harm your eyes.

Understanding UV Rays

UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can cause damage to our eyes over time. There are two types of UV rays that we need to be aware of: UVA and UVB.

UVA rays are the most common and can penetrate deep into the eye, causing damage to the retina. UVB rays, on the other hand, are shorter and can cause damage to the cornea and lens.

Why Wear Sunglasses?

Wearing sunglasses can help prevent damage to our eyes caused by UV rays. They also provide protection against glare, which can make it difficult to see clearly, especially while driving.

Additionally, they can help prevent eye strain and fatigue, which can occur from too much exposure to bright light.

Why Fashionable Shades Can Be Harmful

While fashionable shades may look great, they may not be providing the protection your eyes need. Many inexpensive sunglasses do not offer adequate UV protection, and some don’t provide any at all.

This means that while you think you’re doing your eyes a favor by wearing sunglasses, you may actually be causing harm.

The Danger of Dark Lenses

Dark lenses do not necessarily provide more protection than light lenses. In fact, they may even be more harmful. When we wear dark lenses, our pupils dilate to allow more light in. This can actually increase exposure to harmful UV rays.

Cheap Sunglasses

Cheap sunglasses often do not offer adequate UV protection, and some may even do more harm than good.

This is because the dark lenses may cause our pupils to dilate, exposing our eyes to more UV rays, while the inadequate UV protection can allow even more harmful rays to reach our eyes.

The Importance of UV Protection

When shopping for sunglasses, it’s important to look for those that offer 100% UV protection. This will ensure that your eyes are getting the protection they need from both UVA and UVB rays.

Designer sunglasses may be more expensive, but they often offer better protection and are made with higher-quality materials.

How to Choose the Right Pair of Sunglasses

When shopping for sunglasses, here are some things to keep in mind:.

Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection
Choose lenses that are not too dark
Consider polarized lenses to reduce glare
Look for sunglasses that fit properly and are comfortable to wear

The Bottom Line

Sunglasses can be a great fashion accessory as well as an important tool for protecting our eyes. However, not all sunglasses are created equal, and wearing the wrong ones can actually do more harm than good.

When shopping for sunglasses, look for those that offer 100% UV protection, and avoid cheap sunglasses that may not offer adequate protection.