Sunglasses: Protect Your Peepers

June brings with it not only the first day of summer, but also National Sunglasses Day (June 27). Many people simply think of sunglasses as a summertime fashion accessory, but don't stop to consider the benefits of wearing the proper sunglasses or the dangers associated with leaving your eyes unprotected.

Why Sunglasses Are Important

The sun's rays, when unfiltered, can be quite harmful to the human eye. It is important to consider the percentage of damaging radiation that sunglasses block. Ideally, you're looking for a lens that will block 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. This goes hand in hand with proper coverage — selecting sunglasses that offer plenty of eye and facial coverage, fitting your face shape or specific activity.

Proper coverage along with UV-filtering lenses can reduce the chances of skin cancer developing around the eyes. Those with light-colored eyes are even more susceptible. Whether you're wearing sunglasses every day or for a specific activity like running, biking, or gardening, coverage is important!

We've all seen impulse-buy sunglasses at the checkout counter. These likely do not have proper UV-filtration technology, are often not polarized, and are certainly not fitted by an optical professional to determine coverage. These sunglasses tend to simply shade the eye while still letting in harmful radiation and glare.

Summer is here, and we at St. Clairsville Eyecare want to make sure you have proper eyewear to keep your eyes safe while having fun in the sun — and look great doing it! Schedule an appointment with us at our St. Clairsville office, and we look forward to seeing you soon! Call (740) 695-0444.