Sunglasses
When you ask people about the benefits of sunglasses undoubtedly one of the first things they'll mention is fashion. After all, it's almost impossible today to not see all types of celebrities sporting a pair of fashionable and chic sunglasses.
But just like eyeglasses, while sunglasses can help you make a fashion statement they're also essential to maintaining good eye health by protecting your eyes from damage and disease caused by overexposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Buying the right pair of good sunglasses for the conditions in which you use them gives you maximum protection and performance.
People who spend a lot of time outdoors, such as boaters, skiers and bikers, no doubt appreciate the benefits of polarized sunglasses. Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light from surfaces such as water or highways, thus reducing glare.
Polarized photochromic lenses, which change from adjust to light, may be an ideal choice for a light-sensitive person who's in and out all day long. Photochromic lenses have chemical properties that react to the amount of UV radiation. They darken when there's a lot of light, such as outside, and lighten when you're inside.
Prescription sunglasses are convenient for those who have a vision problem that requires corrective prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Prescription sunglasses are available for just about any lens prescription including multifocal lens designs such as bifocals or progressive lenses.
Regardless of which you choose sunglasses are essential for preventing damage to your eyes. Long-term exposure to UV radiation may contribute to the development of various eye disorders, such as macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss among older Americans, and cataracts, a major cause of visual impairment and blindness around the world.