A prescription to success: Benefits of prescription sunglasses
Susan Mithoff Quade
| 2 min read
There may not be anything better than driving north on I-75 with the sun shining on your face. Not having a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the blazing UV rays, however may take this drive from a relaxing cruise to a depressing drive.
If your eyes are exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time, serious damage, such as a “sunburn” to the cornea and lens of the eye, can occur. The American Optometric Association’s recent Eye-Q® study found only 40 percent of Americans wear sunglasses as protection for their eyes, whereas 32 percent use sunglasses for comfort.
The AOA recommends your sunglasses, with or without a prescription, should:
- Screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light.
- Be free of imperfections or distortions.
- Have gray lenses to help with color recognition.
- Fit close to the eyes and adjusted to the shape of your head.
Prescription sunglasses are a perfect addition to a car ride, skiing in the UP or biking with the family. Even if you wear contacts every day, having a pair of prescription sunglasses can be more practical for the outdoor activities you love. Plus, UV protection lowers the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
For more information on the type of lenses available or additional benefits for prescription sunglasses, visit the American Optometric Association’s website.
Photo credit: Marcus Vegas
