Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are for protecting your eyes in all seasons. Many people are cheered by a bright, sunny day, but the effect of all that sunlight on the eyes is a less sunny proposition. Ultraviolet light and glare can create a variety of issues, from dangerous "snowblindness" to irreversible disorders that threaten your eyesight. Here are some frequently asked questions about the role of sunglasses in protecting the eyes from harm. If you want to know more about choosing the right sunglasses, call or text Griebenow Eyecare at (920) 982-3711.

What are UV rays?

UV stands for ultraviolet, a band of spectrum invisible to the eye. Ultraviolet light consists of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are stopped in Earth's atmosphere before they reach the eye, but UVA and UVB can both reach the eye and potentially damage it.


How does UV affect unprotected eyes? UV rays can cause proteins inside the lens to become opaque or cloudy, a condition known as cataracts. Cataracts can interfere with night vision, reduce your ability to see colors, and make reading difficult; they cannot be reversed, only removed. UV exposure can also cause retinal damage, changes in the eye tissues, and a temporary but irritating "sunburn" of the cornea called photokeratitis.

How do I know my glasses will protect my eyes? Choose glasses that claim to block at least 99 percent of UV rays — UVA as well as UVB. Look for labels that list reading "UV 400," since this designation means that the glasses block UV rays as small as 400 nanometers, providing 100 percent eye protection. Of course, you need to protect your eyes from the glare caused by the visible spectrum as well. To accomplish this, select products that block 75 to 90 percent of visible light.

What are polarized lenses?

Polarized lenses are specially designed to filter out certain types of glare that tend to radiate upward from horizontal surfaces when sunlight bounces off of these surfaces. They are recommended for tasks such as boating, fishing, skiing, golfing, jogging, and driving. Most polarized lenses will bear a label identifying them as such.

What types of glasses can I choose from?

We are able to provide you with a wide range of sunglass options: everything from fashion to sporty and hobby, and task-specific sunglasses that are perfect for hunting, fishing, boating, golf—you name it!. If you normally wear glasses to correct your eyesight, that’s not a problem. Prescription sunglasses are very affordable and allow you to not have to worry about choosing quality vision or sun protection. Griebenow Eyecare also offers photochromic lenses that darken when exposed to UV light (but do not darken behind the windshield of a vehicle), as well as a variety of non-prescription clip-ons or wraparound sunglasses that simply fit over your regular glasses.

What additional types of protection should I consider?

Wear a broad-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen to reduce your risk of exposure to the sun.

For more information on choosing the right sunglasses, contact us today.

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