July is UV Safety Month
Find the right shades to protect your eyes
Sunglasses aren't just a fashion statement — they prevent eye strain, improve vision in bright light, block ultraviolet rays, and help protect the fragile skin around the eyes from skin cancer. They also shield your eyes from floating debris like dust, pollen, and insects. Whether you're scrounging a convenience store rack or browsing in a high-end department store for your next pair of shades, here's what to look for:
* Check the labeling to ensure that the lenses fully block UV rays. The tag may say it offers 100 percent UV protection, UV absorption up to 400nm, or UV400 protection. If the glasses aren't labeled with the protection level, choose something else.
* Choose lenses that block enough (but not too much) light. The amount of light that filters through sunglasses is called visible light transmission, or VLT. Sunglasses with 20 to 40 percent VLT are good for all-purpose use, but lower than 20 percent may only be appropriate for very bright conditions.
* Check the label to see if the lenses are polarized. This anti-glare coating can reduce eyestrain and make objects appear clearer in bright light, which makes it especially useful for outdoor activities. But polarized objects can also make it difficult to see some screens and car dashboard controls, so they may not be the best choice in every instance. Both polarized and non-polarized lenses can be equally effective at blocking UV rays, so it's good to have both options on hand.
* Look for larger lenses that provide more coverage. Wraparound sunglasses are also a good choice and can block UV light along your temples.
* If you wear glasses, consider investing in a pair of sunglasses with prescription lenses or buy sunglasses that are designed to fit over your regular glasses. Make sure that your prescription sunglasses or over-the-glasses sunglasses provide appropriate UV protection. *