What to consider when you're choosing sunglasses.
Why wear sunglasses?
As you slop on sunscreen to protect your skin in summer, don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes. The harmful UV rays that damage skin also increase your risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts (where a clouding of the eye's lens develops over years).
Long-term exposure to UV may also contribute to macular degeneration of the retina, the leading cause of blindness in later life.
UV rays can cause "snow blindness" or photokeratitis. This is sunburn of the cornea, a painful but fortunately temporary condition. It's particularly a problem when UV is reflected from below – by water, sand or snow – because this bypasses the protection from caps or hats. UV rays also cause pterygium, a growth on the surface of the eye.
As well, sunglasses protect the delicate skin around the eye against skin cancer.
What to look for
- For everyday wear, look for sunglasses with a label stating that they comply with a sunglass standard for general-purpose sunglasses and are safe for driving. Some lens tints can distort the colour of traffic lights, and very dark sunglasses reduce the ability to see safely. Most sunglasses comply with the Australian standard, but some designer glasses may cite a European or US standard.
- You don't need to spend big bucks to buy good protection against UV. Cheap sunglasses are fine as spares – the plastic lens material inherently blocks most UV. You shouldn't wear them while driving because of possible problems with distance perception or the lens tint.
- Sunglasses are only one part of your eye protection. Up to 35 percent of UV radiation comes in around the lens. Wrap-around lenses or wide side-panels will help stop sunlight from the side; a hat with a wide brim will block sunlight that comes in from overhead.
More information
- New Zealand Association of Optometrists www.nzao.co.nz
- Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind www.rnzfb.org.nz
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