In honor of National Sunglasses Day, I’m answering the commonly asked question “what should I look for in sunglasses?” Read on for 5 important factors to look out for!
Ultraviolet (UV) Protection – look for a label that guarantees at least 99% UVA & UVB protection or UV 400. This is the most important factor! Most sunglasses will have this label right on the lens, but beware of false labels! You can verify this by looking up the manufacturer to ensure they are reliable. You can also look for a sticker that says “ANSI Z80.3,” which shows the manufacturer paid a fee to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which guarantees the product has met set criteria.
Color – the color and darkness of the lens do not equal better UV protection; only the percentage of UV protection matters.
Coverage – size matters; full coverage and wrap-around give the best protection.
Polarized – polarized and antireflective help with glare.
Price – more expensive doesn’t equal better protection! In fact, inexpensive fashion sunglasses can provide the same UV protection as expensive name brand glasses as long as they meet criteria #1!
Fun fact: your eyes can get sunburnt just like your skin! Be sure to always wear your sunglasses outside, even when it’s not sunny, your eyes will thank you!
DR. MARYANN VISION CARE 