Most people love a sunny day, but that sunlight can cause harm to the eyes. One of the main risks to the eyes is the UV rays that come from the sun. If you need sunglasses in Ocala, FL, the optometry professionals at Ritz & Johnson Fashion Eyecare Center are ready to assist you. Following are the answers to several questions our optometrist frequently receives regarding sunglasses.
How do UV Rays Harm the Eyes?
UV is short for ultraviolet. These rays can make the proteins that are inside the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to cataracts. When you have cataracts, it makes it harder to see at night, can make it hard to read, and can make it harder to see colors. Once you have cataracts, they can't be reversed. UV rays can also cause damage to the retina and eye tissue. You can even get a sunburn on the front of your eyes.
How Can Sunglasses Help?
Sunglasses block UV rays so that they don't reach your eyes. When you are choosing sunglasses, look for models that block 100% of UV rays. When the label says UV 400, that means that these sunglasses will block tiny rays down to 400 nanometers in size. This means that 100% of UV rays will be blocked. Sunglasses can also protect you from the visible light spectrum causing glare that can be harmful to the eyes. Choose sunglasses that block anywhere from 75 to 90% of the visible spectrum. Wear your sunglasses every time you go outside to protect yourself. To protect yourself from sunlight that can come in on the sides or top of your sunglasses, wear a hat with a wide brim for full protection.
Do I Need Prescription Sunglasses?
Prescription sunglasses are great for those who wear eyeglasses. They make it simple to take off the eyeglasses and slip on the shades. However, they are not the only option. There are also clip-on lenses that clip right onto your eyeglasses. There are also wraparound sunglasses that can fit over your eyeglasses. Many people don't want to fuss with all of that hardware, however, and prescription sunglasses are the easiest to use. Our eye doctor will perform an eye exam before helping you select a pair of sunglasses that suit your medical needs and style preferences.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist in Ocala, FL
Call Ritz & Johnson Fashion Eyecare Center today at (352) 732-7900 for more information on sunglasses or to schedule an appointment with our optometrist.