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