Is it Important to Wear Sunglasses?

Even though the sun is 93 million miles from earth, our skin and eyes readily absorb its harmful UVA and UVB rays. Unbeknownst to many Americans, the danger of ocular cancer is substantial and very real. UV radiation is often associated with skin cancer, but photokeratitis is a sunburn that effects the eye.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation can result in cataracts, skin cancer around the eye, macular degeneration and tissue growth on the eye’s surface, known as pterigia. Retina damage is often irreversible with long-lasting side effects.

Sunglasses started out as a popular fashion trend. However, studies began to explore the benefits of including UVA and UVB protection in the coating of lenses. In order to provide the necessary benefits of long-term sun protection, sunglasses should have the following:

Visible Light should be screened by as much as 75- to 90-percent
UVA and UVB radiation rays should be blocked by 99- to 100-percent.
Lenses should be free of imperfections and distortions, which can cause harmful sunrays to penetrate the surface.
Lenses that are brown, gray and green offer the most sun protection.

There are several types of labels used to market sunglasses. Popular marketing phrases include the following:

Blue Blocking – This is still a controversial topic. Lenses that block blue lights are generally amber in color, making surroundings appear orange or yellow. Objects are supposed to appear clearer in the distance, making these styles more popular among pilots, skiers, boaters and hunters.
Polarized – Helping to decrease reflected glare, these types of glasses are thought to improve vision near the water or pavement. These do not relate to UV light absorption, but can be useful for sensitive eyes.
Mirror-Coated – These reduce light entering into the eye, but do not necessarily offer UV protection.
Wraparound – Helping to protect the eyes from all angles, these types of sunglasses still need UV coating to be effective.
Gradient – Designed with varying shades from top to bottom, these decrease glare while allowing sights to appear clear.
Impact Resistant – In order to meet these criteria, the government’s Food and Drug Administration must approve these sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are excellent for sports and hazardous work.

Olympic Eyewear offers the latest wholesale sunglasses. With a wide selection of name brand styles, including DG sunglasses, VG sunglasses, Wayfarer sunglasses, X-Loop sunglasses and Biohazard sunglasses, to name a few, their selection is ideal for department stores, wholesale retailers, hunting establishments, sports stores and much more.