UV Index

What is the UV Index?

The UV index is a way of indicating how strong the sun's harmful rays (radiation) are at various times of the day. The scale ranges from 1 to 11+, with 1 being relatively low, and 11 and above being extremely dangerous for both skin and eyes. For more information on the UV index scale, visit EPA.gov.

How UV Index Relates to Sunglasses

When it comes to sunglasses, most people think of appearance above all else. That's fine as long as you make sure that the aviators or brightly colored lenses offer the right amount of protection for your eyes. What's the right protection? Lenses that offer 99-100 percent UVA and UVB protection. You may see this listed as "UV 400" or "meets ANSI UV requirements."

If you don't mind the wraparound style or sunglasses with side panels, these best for adequately protecting your eyes. On the average pair of sunglasses, the protection level is compromised because sunlight can easily enter the eye from the sides or tops of the frames.

The sun is at its most dangerous between the hours of 10am and 4pm. If possible, try to avoid being outdoors during those times. If you do have to go out, make sure you have on your cool sunglasses.

Options for Suitable UV Protection

You've surely heard about how important it is to protect your skin from the sun. It's just as important to protect your eyes! Cataracts can form as a result of prolonged UV exposure. Here are some options that offer the protection you need:

Photochromic Lenses

Photochromic lenses are an option with prescription sunglasses. They change from clear inside to dark outside. New technology makes them change faster than they used to, quickly adjusting to both indoor and outdoor lighting. They also get darker than they used to. Older photochromic lenses faded to a yellow tone over time, but new color change lenses stay looking fresh much longer. They offer built-in UV protection for your eyes.

Clip-On Sunglasses

Clip-on sunglasses also come with your prescription lenses. There are two types of clip-on lenses--the kind that comes with your eyeglasses at the time of purchase (often a magnetic clip-on), and the kind you buy after purchase. The magnetic type is often more stable, matches the shape of your frames best, and comes with its own case. If your prescription is rather high, make sure to ask your optician if your lenses will allow a proper fit. If you buy clip-on sunglasses, you may not be able to find a perfect match for your frame shape. Both types tend to offer the appropriate protection from even a high UV index.

Prescription Sunglasses

Aside from photochromic lenses and clip on sunglasses, there's another answer for those of us who don't have perfect vision. Prescription sunglasses are probably the most cumbersome option, but one that many people prefer.

Prescription sunglasses are just a second pair of glasses with your unique prescription put in. The optical lab then tints your lenses as you wish--from a gradient that starts darker on top and gets lighter toward the bottom (great for simultaneous map reading and driving), to one solid color in any depth. Make sure you ask for added UV protection. Lenses can be tinted without having the extra protection put in. Some optical shops offer tinting and UV index protection in a package deal; other times they're sold separately. Be sure of what you're getting.

Off-the-Rack Sunglasses

Sunglasses purchased straight off the store shelves do not always offer the best protection from a high UV index. Quite a few off-the-rack sunglasses are made for fashion statements more than eye protection. With careful shopping, however, you can find adequate sun protection without a prescription. Look for a sticker on one of the lenses that tells you of the sun protection you'll receive.

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• Men's Sunglasses
• Aviator Sunglasses

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• Prevent Eye Damage from UV Rays