Your Choice of Sunglasses Can Do More Harm than Good to Your Eyes

Sunglasses has grown from being a simple protection accessory, to a fashion statement more than ever over the past couple decades. In prehistoric times it started out as flattened walrus ivory that had slits to peer through; to the Roman Emperor Nero using emerald, to the Chinese looking through smokey quartz panels,and to the current plastic lenses that we use today.

Sunglasses makes a big statement in our summer wardrobe, as well as providing protection for our eyes whenever we get out into the sun. It is important that we know how to choose the right ones, otherwise it could do more harm than good to our eyes.

Wearing poor sunglasses can risk:

 1)Photokeratitis: Externally, your eyes and the area around it, would be look inflamed with chunks of red growing over your eyes. Internally, your eyes would feel painful, and your vision would be blurred.

2)Cataracts: Your cornea will start looking dull, dulling your vision and making you feel uncomfortable.

3)Pterygium: The white of your eyes will look inflamed, while growing across your eyes, resulting in a almost-white eye.

4)Macular Degeneration: Once the macular(inside the retina) is damaged, you will not be able to see clearly.

To Prevent:

 1)Look for sunglasses that has the label sticker indicating it has 100% UV light protection.

2)Wearing no sunglasses at all, is better than wearing poor sunglasses. As the poor sunglasses, can reflect the UV light more into your eyes.

3)*Minimum safety in the U.S. is ANSI Z80.3 on the label
 *Minimum safety in European Countries is CE or EN1836.
*Minimum safety in Australia is AS1067.

When we shop at second hand stores, such as Buffalo Exchange, it is hard to know when things aren't labeled completely. But as long as it has that 100% UV Protection sticker, you'll be safe. Put safety first before fashion statement! :)

*The lovely lady in the photo is the wonderful Miss Valerie Olson.