FAMILY MEDICINE Good protective sunglasses dont have to be expensive


Question: Now that spring has sprung, I'm getting outdoors more and into the sun. My old sunglasses are falling apart, and I need to buy a new pair. Do you have any suggestions about what I should look for in choosing a new pair of sunglasses? Answer: During these warm-weather months, sunglasses are both a fashion accessory and a way to keep your eyes healthy. Whether you're looking for an expensive pair of designer shades or just a cheap pair from the discount store, you should make sure the glasses provide adequate protection from the sun's dangerous rays. First, check out the obvious things. The lenses should be big enough to cover your eyes as well as the delicate skin around your eyes. Second, choose glasses with lenses that are gray, brown, or green. Those are the most neutral colors. If you choose other colors, like red, orange, blue, or yellow, you may have trouble distinguishing things like red traffic lights. Once you've picked a pair with properly sized and properly colored lenses, try the glasses on. They should feel good not so tight that they hurt your skin, but not so loose that they could slip. Also, test the quality of the lenses to make sure they don't give you a distorted view. A good way to check this is to look at a floor with rectangular tile. As you move your head from side-to-side and up-and-down the lines should continue to appear straight. Next, read the label on the glasses to learn a little more about how they were made. Most good-quality glasses have a tag that tells you how much light they block. The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that you choose a pair that blocks 100 percent of the sun rays known as UVA and UVB. Long-term exposure to those rays can lead to cataracts, a condition that makes your vision foggy. And even a few hours in the sun under intense UVB rays can burn the cornea. That can lead to temporary, but intense pain. Don't judge glasses completely by the darkness of the lens. The coatings that block UV rays are usually colorless. Though darker lenses can block glare better, glasses that are too dark can make it hard to see signs and stoplights when you're driving and curbs when you're walking across a street. Also don't judge them by price alone. Studies have found that cheaper sunglasses when made properly can offer just as much protection as more expensive shades. Finally, in addition to taking good care of your eyes by protecting them from UV radiation, it's a good idea to protect your skin by using a sunblocking lotion with an SPF of 15 or better. And, don't forget to wear a hat to protect your head from too much exposure to the sun. As the weather improves, I hope you have great "fun in the sun," but please do it safely! Family Medicine is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at

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