May 01, 2004

By: Karl Voight
Website: http://www.1st-in-sunglasses.com

WHEN IT COMES TO SUNGLASSES AND UV PROTECTION, LOOKS MAY BE DECEIVING

Cheap sunglasses may cost you only $5.00, but are the effects of harmful UV rays more than you can afford? On the other hand, can a $200 pair of sunglasses really guarantee sufficient protection from the sun?

According to Calvin Roberts, M.D., an ophthalmologist at New York Weill Cornell Center of New York Presbyterian Hospital, there is no certain way for consumers to be sure they are getting ultraviolet or UV protection from the sun from their sunglasses--even if they are labeled UV absorbing or UV blocking:

There is no government regulating power for the classification of sunglasses, said Dr. Roberts. As a result, companies can sometimes get away with misrepresenting how much protection they offer. And unfortunately, consumers sometimes assume all sunglasses have protection if they are dark in color.

Dr. Roberts advises that consumers buy sunglasses from reputable companies that they have heard of through advertising or their physician's recommendation. If you are paying only a few dollars for glasses on the street, they may look good, but chances are they are offering you no health benefit, said Dr. Roberts.

According to Dr. Roberts, everyone should be aware of their exposure to the sun and sunglasses are an important protector. Not only can sunglasses enhance appearance, but they provide a way of blocking harmful rays that in severe cases can cause permanent damage to the eyes in the form of cataracts and retinal degeneration.

Dr. Roberts advises that consumers should be aware of the following:

* Light colored eyes, such as blues and greens, are more sensitive to the sun than darker eye shades.

* African-Americans are less sun sensitive and less likely to suffer from negative sun effects than Asians. Caucasians have the most sun sensitive eyes.

* Individuals who wear contact lenses are least likely to want to wear any form of sunglasses. However, sunglasses are helpful from preventing the drying effect most contact lens wearers get from warm wind.

* There is no correlation between the darkness of sunglasses and their UV protection.

* Automobile windshield tints are not a replacement for sunglasses. Windshields screen out glare but do not absorb UV rays.

* Parents should be aware of the need to keep infant's eyes shaded. And, once they are old enough to like to wear sunglasses, parents should not hesitate to purchase UV protected sunglasses for their children.

About The Author:

Karl Voight is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-sunglasses.com.  Helping you find great deals on discount designer sunglasses.