WHAT IS IT, HOW IT WORKS, IMPORTANCE, AND HOW TO CHOOSE BEST SUNGLASSES FOR WOMEN

Sunglasses are an important type of eyewear that help to protect the eyes from UV rays emitted by the sun, as well as potentially harmful elements such as wind, dust, smoke and snow. Sunglasses work by applying a tint, coating or filter to a plano or plain lens, which helps to act as a barrier between the eye and UV rays as well as other elements. Sunglasses are an important piece of eyewear as they protect the eyes which are a crucial and sensitive part of our body. UV rays from the sun can be harmful to the eyes if the eyes are exposed to it for prolonged periods of time. Elements such as wind and dust can also harm the eyes and cause eye irritation, so it is important that sunglasses are used to help protect the eyes. The way to choose suitable sunglasses is to pick sunglasses that protect the eyes from UV rays. The sunglasses benefits include that they help protect the eyes from UV rays, help protect the eyes from potentially harmful elements, may reduce glare, help protect the skin around the eyes and may help to reduce eye strain.

What are Sunglasses?

Sunglasses are defined as eyewear primarily designed to protect the eyes from the sun and its Ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays, or UV radiation is a type of light emitted from the sun. There are three types of UV light, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which are ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC). Prolonged exposure to UV light can be harmful to the eyes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, including increasing the risk of eye cancers and eye conditions such as cataracts. Sunglasses also serve the purpose of protecting the eyes from glare and elements that may cause harm or irritation such as the wind, sand, snow and dust. In summary, the answer to what are sunglasses is that they are a type of eyewear designed to protect the eyes from UV rays from the sun, glare and other potentially harmful elements.

There are a variety of sunglasses types including tinted sunglasses and polarised sunglasses. Sunglasses can be prescription, meaning they have a person’s prescription on the lenses to help correct vision, or they can have plano lenses, meaning they are non-prescription with no power on the lens.

Are Sunglasses and Polarised Glasses the Same Thing?

Yes, sunglasses and polarised glasses can mean the same thing, however not all sunglasses are polarised. Polarised glasses or polarised sunglasses, refer to sunglasses in which the lens is coated with a filter. The filter in polarised glasses helps to reduce glare, which refers to bright light, direct or reflected, that impacts how well a person can see. Glare can occur from surfaces such as roads, water or snow.

What is the Origin of Sunglasses?

The origin of sunglasses is not 100% known, however, early versions of sunglasses are thought to have first emerged as sun goggles, created by Inuit people to protect their eyes from the glare created by snow. According to The US Government’s National Parks Services, James Ayscough, an English optician and designer, is thought to have made the first instance of the modern sunglasses in 1752. Ayscough experimented with tinted lenses as he believed that they may have helped the eyes.

How do Sunglasses Work?

Sunglasses generally work by covering the lenses of the glasses in a tint, coating or filter that helps to provide a barrier between the eyes and UV rays. The lenses of sunglasses are what protect the eyes from UV rays, and other potentially harmful elements. The lenses of sunglasses vary in make, and can include tinted and polarised lenses. Tinted sunglasses refers to lenses that are covered in a pigmented dye. This dye can include various colours such as grey and yellow. Tinted sunglasses provide limited protection from the sun and its UV rays as well as little to no glare protection. Polarised sunglasses are a type of sunglasses that helps to protect the eyes from UV rays, but also works to limit glare. Polarised sunglasses work by coating the lens with a filter. The filter in polarised lenses helps to reflect glare from various surfaces such as roads, water and snow. Sunglasses will work best if they are on the larger side, or wrap around the eyes, as the bigger the surface area of the lens, the more protection they offer the eyes. Sunglasses also work best if they fit across the nose properly, so there are no gaps where the sun or other elements can interfere with the eyes.

How do Sunglasses Protect the Eyes from UV Rays?

Sunglasses protect the eyes from UV rays by providing a barrier, helping to stop UV rays from hitting the eye and its inner structures directly. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a type of light that is produced by the sun. UV rays have been proven to have negative effects on the eye particularly if a person is exposing their eyes to this light regularly, for a prolonged period of time. Sunglasses help to protect the eyes from UV rays by limiting how much UV enters the eye.

Do Sunglasses have Blue Light Protection?

Sunglasses may have a small amount of natural blue light protection, however, this will be the type of blue light emitted from the sun, not from digital devices. Natural blue light and ultraviolet (UV) light are similar in that both are types of light waves emitted from the sun. The difference between the two is their wavelengths. Blue light is a shorter wavelength than UV light and can be seen by the human eye. Blue light is often found in electronic devices such as computer screens and phone screens. If a person needs glasses that will help limit exposure to digital blue light, there are filters available for this specific purpose. The primary focus of sunglasses is to protect the eye against UV light.

What are the Benefits of Sunglasses?

There are many benefits to wearing sunglasses that are designed to protect the eyes and meet Australian/New Zealand standards. The benefits of sunglasses are they help protect the eyes from UV rays, help protect the eyes from potentially harmful elements, may reduce glare, help protect the skin around the eyes and may help to reduce eye strain. The sunglasses benefits are listed below.

• Help protect the eyes from UV rays: Sunglasses help protect the eyes from UV rays, which is one of their biggest benefits. As UV can be harmful to eyes after prolonged exposure, sunglasses can help to reduce the amount of UV that reaches the eyes.
• Help protect the eyes from potentially harmful elements: Sunglasses work to provide some protection from potentially harmful elements such as wind, sand, snow and dust, as they provide a barrier between these elements and the eyes.

1. May reduce glare: Some sunglasses, such as polarised sunglasses, are designed to help reduce glare, which can help protect the eyes and limit vision disruption.
2. Help protect the skin around the eyes: Sunglasses may help protect the delicate skin around the eyes if they are bigger in size or are wrap around glasses.
3. May help reduce eye strain: Sunglasses may help to reduce eye strain as the eyes will not have to squint against the sun as much, or struggle to see through glare or bright light when sunglasses are being worn.

Are there Disadvantages to Wearing Sunglasses?

There are not many, if any disadvantages to wearing sunglasses, particularly those that have met the Australian/New Zealand Standards for sunglasses, as sunglasses meeting these requirements should provide good protection from UV and glare. The answer to are sunglasses good for your eyes is generally yes, however, there are some sunglasses available on the market that do not protect the eyes against UV, and have been made for aesthetic or fashion purposes. It is important that you check that your sunglasses meet the required standards for protecting the eyes.

Are Cheap Sunglasses Bad for Your Eyes?

Cheap sunglasses can potentially be bad for your eyes as they may not provide adequate protection from UV rays. UV rays refer to ultraviolet radiation that is omitted from the sun. If the eyes are exposed to UV radiation for an extended period of time, there may be negative effects such as cataracts, eye cancers and growths on the eye, according to the American academy of Ophthalmology. Sunglasses are designed to protect the eyes from UV rays, however not all sunglasses provide the same level of protection. Cheaper sunglasses that are built for mostly fashion purposes, may not provide the same level of protection from UV rays as sunglasses made by optical brands, which may affect the eyes in the long run. A person should always check that their sunglasses meet the Australian Standards for sunglasses protection.

Visit Oscar Wylee for your eye care needs, and your health fund may help cover some of the cost. Bring your valid health fund card to your local store for a full quote.