Introduction
It's a bright summer's day, so you pop on your prescription sunglasses and head out to the beach. As soon as the sun hits your face, you're happy to be wearing them—and not just because they make a fashion statement. But by the afternoon, you notice that your eyes feel stretched and tired. You wonder if this is normal or if there's something wrong with your sunglasses. Does wearing prescription sunglasses damage your eyes? The short answer is no: in fact, they can help protect against eye issues like cataracts down the road. However, it's important to choose high-quality lenses for those frames so that your eyes don't have to work too hard when you're enjoying time outside. ~~ Keep reading as we explore all of these questions in more detail, below!
Are prescription sunglasses bad for you?
If you wear prescription sunglasses, you are probably aware that they can help protect your eyes from glare. However, did you know that sunlight can damage the eyes in other ways? The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays cause cataracts and macular degeneration, two conditions that affect vision. Glare is a common symptom of these diseases because cataracts cloud the lens of your eye and macular degeneration causes blurry vision at the center of your field of vision. Glare from bright light – such as sunlight reflecting off pavement or snow – can make it difficult for those with these conditions to see clearly enough to navigate their surroundings safely. Glare also impairs night driving by making it more challenging for drivers to detect street signs and pedestrians at night while wearing their prescription sunglasses or nonprescription sunglasses with UV protection
Are polarized sunglasses better for your eyes?
Polarized lenses reduce glare from the sun and other light sources. They also reduce eye fatigue, so you can see better with them.
They may not be right for everyone though. If you have a hard time seeing through regular sunglasses, then polarized ones will likely make it worse.
Are transition lenses better for your eyes?
People often prefer to wear transition lenses because they can save them from having to change glasses when going from indoors to outdoors. However, this isn't always the case. Transition lenses are made for certain types of light conditions, such as low-light or glare. If you're outside in bright sunlight all day long, your eyes will probably be better off with polarized lenses instead of transition ones because they can filter out more damaging UV rays than regular glasses do.
How can I protect my eyes from the sun?
There are several steps you can take to protect your eyes from the sun:
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Wear sunglasses with UV protection. These should have a rating of 100-400, meaning they block out all but 0-25% of ultraviolet light. Look for sunglasses that say "100%" or "UV 400" on the label, and make sure there's an indication of how much ultraviolet light they block (e.g., 95%).
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Wear a hat that shades your face, neck and ears when you're outdoors during peak hours (10am to 4pm). Make sure it doesn't have holes or mesh panels where sunlight can get through—you'll need something solid to ensure optimal protection.
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Wear protective clothing such as long pants and sleeves in bright daylight if possible; otherwise avoid being in direct sunlight during peak hours wherever possible (10am - 4pm).
Conclusion
We’ve covered lots of different types of sunglasses, but all in all, it seems that prescription sunglasses are the best option for your eyes. They can be more expensive than other types. However, you should consider it an investment in your vision! If you don’t have a pair yet and would like to see if they work well, try on some stylish pairs at an optician near you today.
