Monday, January 3, 2011

Sunglass Safety

Style or substance ... How do you pick your sunglasses? Ultraviolet rays can harm your eyes, causing cataracts and macular degeneration. But does it have to come at a price? Do more expensive sunglasses mean more UV protection?

Using a UV meter, optician Cathy Nguyen, of Seattle Central Community College in Washington tests three pairs of sunglasses. "What we're doing is just checking for ultraviolet transmission," she tells Ivanhoe.

The shades cost $100, $36 and $8. A flashing zero on Nguyen's UV meter means no UV is coming through and 100 percent of the ultraviolet rays are being blocked.

The results?

"All of the sunglasses had 100-percent UV protection," Nguyen says. She admits that's not surprising at all, because most sunglasses will have 100-percent UV protection.

Nguyen offers sunglasses shoppers some advice: Look for sunglasses that offer 100-percent protection against both UVA and UVB rays, or those with UV-400 protection to prevent the most damaging rays. And remember, children need sunglasses, too.

No matter what your style, UV protection for your eyes is priceless -- at any price.

While price doesn't matter as far as UV protection goes, Nguyen says make sure you buy quality lenses to prevent a distorted or warped view through your shades.

Source: Ivanhoe

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