Sun and Shades
by Jack Prince, OD
Wilmer Vision Center
Whatever the season, your eyes need a break from the sun's harmful rays. Called ultraviolet radiation, or UVR, these invisible rays may cause or contribute to conditions that range from cataracts to snow blindness. Various eyewear offers UVR protection, but be aware that standards are lacking.
- Non-prescription sunglasses: look for lenses that absorb 99 percent of UVR.
- Contact lenses: some are available with UV-absorbing tints. Because contacts do not cover the entire eye surface, pair these lenses with sunglasses.
- Polycarbonate lenses: naturally absorb UVR.
- Regular prescription lenses: can be treated with a clear UV-absorbing coating.
- Plastic transition and glass photochromatic lenses: darken automatically as they absorb and filter out UVR.
