Wearing poor quality sunglasses can lead to problems such as blurred vision, decreased vision and even pinguecula. (Image: Shutterstock)
Polycarbonate lenses and other high-index plastics like Trivex provide 100% UV protection.
Sunglasses are a must-have for summer outings. Not only do they add style to any look, but they also protect your eyes. Since their invention in 1752 by English optician James Ayscough, sunglasses have evolved significantly in both technology and design. Despite their wide availability, it is essential to choose sunglasses that effectively protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses without this protection are not only useless, but can also be harmful to your eyes.
Dr. Mahyar “Max” Maddahali recently shared a video on his Instagram to explain the potential damage that can be caused by wearing sunglasses without UVA and UVB protection. He highlighted that “cheap” sunglasses, which do not block these rays, can damage the retina and sclera. According to the doctor, wearing poor-quality sunglasses can lead to problems such as blurred vision, decreased eyesight, and even pinguecula, which is characterized by yellowish spots on the white part of the eyes. He also mentioned that it is essential to choose sunglasses that offer adequate protection against UVA and UVB rays to effectively protect eye health.
In the video's caption, the doctor wrote: “Solar retinopathy is a condition that occurs when the retina is damaged by staring at the sun or other bright lights for too long without protection. It can lead to blurred vision, blind spots, or even permanent vision loss.”
Ophthalmology specialist Dr. Inna Ozerov told the Miami Eye Institute that in addition to wearing radiation-blocking glasses, you should choose glasses with a larger frame. She explains, “Pupils naturally dilate when someone wears sunglasses to allow more light into the eyes. If the frame is not large enough, UV light will leak around the edges of the lens and have an easier time entering the eye when the pupil is dilated.” Interestingly, the color of the lenses — whether red, gray or black — doesn’t matter when it comes to blocking radiation.
