Sunglasses are an integral part of your fashion accessories which are part of your style all summer long! You can find them in all colours and various designs. Some sunglasses have polarized lenses, and others have tinted or mirror lenses. With all these options, how do you know if your sunglasses are protecting your eyes? And how do you choose your sunglasses? We share our tips with you. This way, you'll be sure to protect your eye health and look good at the same time!
IRIS opticians can check the UV protection of your sunglasses
Sunglasses are not only valuable for the summer. The idea that you should only protect your eyes during summer is false. Your eyes are exposed to UV rays all year round, and specific activities increase this exposure. The surface of the water and snow reflect UV rays, so it's essential to wear sunglasses even in the winter.
If you're unsure about the level of protection of your current or children's sunglasses, stop by your nearest IRIS store. Our opticians will test the protection level of your lenses for you. This is a quick check, and you'll know if you can continue to wear your sunglasses with peace of mind.
The label with the UV protection index for sunglasses
Sunglasses that are approved have a label indicating the UV protection rating of the lenses. This index takes into consideration the protection against UVA and UVB rays. When buying a new pair of sunglasses, always choose those labelled: "100% UV protection" or "UV 400."
This UV protection index for sunglasses is also very important for those intended for young people. It is essential to know that the eyes of children and teenagers are even more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation than those of adults. This is because, during childhood, the eyes are developing, and the lens is not as effective at blocking UV rays as an adult's lens. As a result, more radiation reaches the retina in children.
Sunglasses protect the eyes like sunscreen protects the skin. They are essential protection for everyone's eye health during all seasons!
Differentiating between sunglasses lenses
Just because a pair of sunglasses protects you from glare doesn't mean they are effective at blocking UV rays. Here are different lens treatments that do not protect you from UV, contrary to popular belief.
Lens colour
Just because a lens is dark doesn't mean it's more protective of your eyes. The colour of the lens should cut out 70 to 85% of the light. But be aware that gray lenses do this as well as brown lenses. Therefore, the most important thing to consider is your comfort.
Polarized lenses
This type of lens is very popular for driving and outdoor sports activities. They have a polarizing film that reduces the glare of light.
Mirror lenses
These lenses have a metallic finish on the outer surface. However, this mirror finish does not protect against the sun's harmful rays.
Only the UV protection index and your optician can tell you about the UV protection of your sunglasses. Whether it's sunny or cloudy, your sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from UV rays.
