Site for Sore Eyes’ Kickoff to Summer: What Do UV Ratings on Sunglasses Mean?

Can you believe it’s the end of June already? It seems like only yesterday that we were observing Memorial Day and before that, bundling up from the freezing winter season. (Our friends on the East Coast can tell us Californians something about that!) Now that the sun is out and the temperatures are more pleasant, you will inevitably be spending more time outside. But when you are outside, make sure to have the usual protection: sunscreen, a hat…and sunglasses.

Make sure to check the UV Index if you know that you’re going to be outside a lot. Understanding the UV Index Scale can be tricky. One good tip is to check your shadow. If your shadow is taller than you are, the UV Index is most likely low. If your shadow is shorter than you are, you are most likely experiencing a higher UV Index. This is common between midday (10am-4pm). Once the UV Index jumps over level 5, it is time to take extra precautions to protect against the damaging and harmful rays that can cause sunburn.

It is also important to wear sunglasses that will protect your eyes against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. One of the easiest ways is to pick glasses with a sticker that says something along the lines of:

• Blocks 99%-100% of UVB and UVA rays
• Lenses meet ANSI Z80.3 blocking requirements
• UV 400 protection (this means they block light rays with wavelengths of up to 400 nanometers)

Since the UV blocking coating is clear, it doesn’t necessarily matter whether or not you get dark or lighter tinted lenses. One thing to keep in mind though is that rose- or yellow-tinted lenses can make it difficult to distinguish between changing traffic lights. This is why green, gray or brown lenses are better for driving, as they minimize color distortion.

If you spend a lot of time on or near the water, opt for polarized lenses. Polarized lenses reduce glare by filtering out the reflected light that bounces off of surfaces such as water or the pavement. If you should choose to purchase a pair of polarized lenses, remember this: polarization has nothing to do with UV filtering. If you are purchasing polarized lenses, make sure they also provide full protection against ultraviolet light.

If you are buying your first pair of sunglasses, make sure to consult the professionals at Site for Sore Eyes. They can help you select a pair that will fit your prescription and are in accordance with UV blocking regulations. They can even give you more information on how to protect your eyes on days when the sun is up and the UV rays are particularly strong.