We all know someone who constantly forgets their shades at home (It’s me, I’m that person). But caring for your eyes is like caring for your skin; sun protection is fundamental.
Eye damage can look like bloodshot whites, discoloration, burning eyes, and even more serious ailments that may require surgery and medical intervention. The secret weapon for optimal outdoor eye car is a good pair of sunglasses to protect against sun damage. Finding the right pair can save your eyesight and show off your personality.
Keep your eyes peeled for sunglasses with these quality features:
1. 100% UV Protection
Labels aren’t everything. That is unless you’re looking for the best sunglasses to protect your eyes. UV400 labels or guaranteed 100% UV protection labels ensure the glasses block harmful UV and UVB sunrays. Always buy sunglasses with one of these labels to know your eyes are 100% protected.
2. Rain or Shine
Care for your eyes like you care for your skin. You need eye protection all the time—even when it’s overcast, snowy, or you’re out on the water. UV rays are powerful. They go through cloud-filled skies and reflect off of snowy hills, cool lakes, and glass high-rises. And don’t forget your shades when you’re in your car—there are still plenty of rays coming through the windows.
3. Shade Tints
Don’t shy away from color. Try out different lens tints—like dark gray, brown, amber, or green—to find the best one for your vision that includes optimal UV protection. Colored tints might speak to your personal aesthetic, and they may even improve your vision clarity in different environments.
4. Polarized
Polarized lenses are dramatic and mysterious. How do you know if someone’s checking you out or rolling their eyes behind polarized sunglasses?! Polarization reduces the glare coming off reflective surfaces—like water or pavement—and can save you from squinting. Sunglasses even come with back-polarized options to deflect even more light away from your peripheral.
5. Everyday Protection with an Eye Health Supplement
Supplements are a great way to keep your eye health in the forefront, whether or not you’re wearing sunglasses. USANA’s Visionex DS is a favorite for eye health. It’s made with an antioxidant formula designed to help protect the delicate tissues of the eye from photooxidation. And it protects the retina with lutein, zeaxanthin, and bilberry extract. Visionex DS even contains vitamin C and other nutrients to help maintain the structure and integrity of your eyes.
6. Big Style, Big Shades
Size is important when we’re talking sunglasses that are hype on sun protection. Larger shades cover your entire line of sight and even protect the delicate, thin skin of your under eyes and cheek bones. It’s a win-win.
7. Frames, Frames, Frames
Have fun with your sunnies! Try out different frame shapes like cat eye or square, round or wide, rectangle or octagon. Thin metal frames convey subtle glamour, sleek intelligence, and classic style. Thicker frames make a bold statement, “Here I am, Honey.” Don bright or patterned frames to stand out in a crowd, poolside, or at brunch.
8. Seeing Double
How many sunglasses are too many? Multiple pairs of shades are great to make sure your sunglasses always go where you go. Stash a pair in your glove box, diaper bag, purse, gym bag, overnight bag, or your partner’s car. And don’t forget sun protection for recreation, too. Keep a pair in your boat, your camper/RV, or your hiking backpack for all of your fun in the sun.
Your eyes are delicate organs that filter everything you see, and the UV rays you don’t see. In order for them to stay healthy, your eyes need to be protected every day.
Now that you know the must-haves, your wide, sparkling eyes will be safe with the best 100% UV, polarized, statement-making sunglasses. Who’s ready to go shopping? I definitely need a new pair of sunnies.