Can sunglasses really protect your eyes?

Not only is this lens stylish, it also reflects or blocks harmful UV rays and reduces glare

From aviator to cat eye, there are many styles of sunglasses to choose from. While the right sunglasses can help you show off your style, are sunglasses really good for your eyes?

Simply put: Yes. Sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays and sunlight. They also protect the sensitive skin around the eyes from skin cancers and wrinkles.

But beyond fashion, it's also important to find the right sunglasses, as they don't offer the same protection. Some studies have shown that high-energy UV rays from the sun can damage your vision later in life. Excessive UV exposure may damage your macula, an area at the back of your eye that helps transmit pictures to your brain. If you have light eyes, you are most at risk.

Ophthalmologist Rishi Singh, MD, offers tips on choosing the best sunglasses that will do a great job of protecting your eyes.

How do sunglasses work?

You may be wondering: How do sunglasses protect your eyes?

The lenses of sunglasses usually come with UV protection. Some lenses may have UV protection coatings.

Uv protection blocks or reflects harmful UVA and UVB light - two common forms of sunlight.

So, how do you know if your sunglasses have UV protection? Look for a label on the sunglasses that says it is 100% resistant to UVA and UVB rays.

The benefits of wearing sunglasses (sunglasses near me now)

While we tend to wear a pair of sunglasses during the summer months, we really should wear sunglasses all year round. In addition to blocking UVA and UVB light, sunglasses can also:

Prevent headaches and migraines caused by direct sunlight.
Reduces eye strain.
Reduce glare.
Provides protection against wind, dust and debris.
Helps prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Helps prevent skin cancers and wrinkles from around your eyes.