While many of us may be choosing sunglasses for their design rather than their sun-blocking capacity, for Dr Vishali Gupta, Professor, Advanced Eye Centre, PGI, Chandigarh, they are as functional as wearing sunscreen. And no matter how much you worry about its shape, it has got to be a wraparound for maximum coverage.
“Your sunglasses must offer 100 per cent protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Buy one with a label of UV400 to ensure complete protection and prevent sunburns, wrinkles and even cataracts. While polarized lenses reduce glare, they don’t provide UV protection on their own,” she says.
WHAT IS UV LIGHT?
UV light is very short-wavelength electromagnetic radiation invisible to the human eye. It is of three types, A, B and C, all of which can penetrate ocular tissues, affecting vision. “UVA is associated with skin ageing, causing wrinkles, but it can also increase the risk of skin cancer in the area around the eyes. UVB is more damaging and may cause sunburns as well as cancer of the eyelids, while UVC has the maximum risk of causing skin cancers. As UV light can penetrate the eyes, it may cause alterations in the lens proteins, resulting in the development of cataract. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may affect the retina and increase the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration,” explains Prof Gupta.
While choosing the right kind of sunglasses, she insists upon those with a UV400 rating, which give nearly 100 per cent protection from both UVA and UVB. One can choose the tint as per one’s requirement.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FIT
Besides quality, it is important to choose the right fit, making sure that it protects the skin around the eyes and doesn’t sit loose, slip or pinch the skin. This makes sure that light does not enter the eyes from the sides, top or bottom. “Focus more on the quality rather than style. For those who work outdoors, wraparound glasses are a good choice. Sun rays are particularly strong between 10 am and 4 pm, with UV radiation peaking at midday. Also, UV rays are stronger at high altitudes and during the summer months. So, it is important to cover up, wear UV-protected wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat if you are going to be exposed to sunlight during these hours,” she says.
WHAT LENS COLOUR SHOULD ONE GO FOR
Brown or amber-coloured lenses are better. “These comfort the eyes and provide heightened contrast against green landscapes and blue skies,” says Dr Ashok Sharma, Director, Dr Ashok Sharma Cornea Centre, Chandigarh.
Single gradient lenses (dark on top and lighter on the bottom) can cut glare from the sky but allow you to see clearly below, double-gradient lenses (dark on top and bottom and lighter in the middle) may be better for water or snow sports. “Anti-reflective and mirror coatings can enhance vision and reduce glare,” he adds.
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