Therefore, experts strongly recommend protecting your eyes from ultraviolet radiation, which can cause eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, cataracts, or glaucoma. It is especially dangerous to go without sunglasses at southern and high-altitude resorts.
A few simple tips will help you choose high-quality glasses that will optimally protect your eyes from the harmful effects of solar radiation.
Where is it better to buy?
If you plan to buy glasses at a market, know that at best such a purchase will complement your outfit but is unlikely to protect your eyes. Low-quality lenses tire the eyes when worn for long periods, and frame materials may not meet environmental standards and can cause allergic reactions. It is best to buy sunglasses in certified stores or through online stores. Brand-name glasses may cost more, but they will more than pay off with the health of your eyes.
Glass or plastic?
The opinion about the superiority of glass lenses over plastic, true a couple of decades ago, is now nothing more than a myth. Modern polymer materials are in no way inferior to glass. Except that you should not extinguish cigarettes on these lenses.
Determining the glasses group
European standards distinguish five groups. Group zero – non-tinted glasses that can only protect from weak ultraviolet light passing through clouds (darkening 0–20%). In inactive sunlight, glasses of the first group (20–57%) are suitable. Glasses of the second group will protect the eyes in sunny weather in temperate latitudes (57–82%). The third group of glasses will be needed under intense summer sun (82–92%). Glasses of the fourth group are optimal for a southern or mountain resort (92–97%), but driving with them is not recommended.
Does size matter?
Of course it does. Besides the pupil, glasses protect the skin around the eyes. It is equally important to shield from side sunlight. For example, the famous Ray-Ban “aviator” glasses with teardrop-shaped lenses can help with this. They were originally developed for the needs of US military pilots. The shape and size of these glasses optimally protected the pilot's eyes from solar radiation at high altitudes and ensured high image clarity.
Should you follow the fashion for colored lenses?
Be careful in choosing bright colors. For example, green and blue are known for their calming effect on the nervous system, unlike orange and red. Yellow lenses can make cloudy weather brighter and more vivid, but they are hardly suitable for a resort. Brown and gray tints are the most versatile and neutral for the nervous system.
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