Sunglasses Buying Guide: Sun Protection

Find an unfamiliar term? Glossary of Sunglass Terms

One of the most important reasons to wear a sunglass is to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Recent studies indicate that greater amounts of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation are reaching the earth's surface.

UV is divided into three ranges - A, B and C:
-- Prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB can cause significant eye damage, everything from temporary discomfort to long-term vision problems such as cataracts.

-- UVC is not considered a threat because most of it is filtered by the earth's protective ozone layer (although pollutants are degrading the ozone, thus increasing UV exposure). 

All of the sunglasses we provide offer you the safest form of UVA/UVB protection for your eyesight. 

• Make sure your sunglasses have 100% UVA and UVB protection.
• UV radiation is most intense between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., will be stronger at higher altitudes and closer to the equator.
• Snow, sand and water intensify the effects of UV radiation, harming unprotected eyes, even over a brief time period.
• An overcast day will block solar brightness while still allowing 80% UV light to reach your eyes and skin.
• Babies and young children are more susceptible to UV damage because they have more translucent corneas and lenses.
• Polarized lenses are great for reducing glare, however, polarization alone does not block UV rays.