Why Quality Sunglasses Are Essential for Your Eye Health
Are you a die-hard Wayfarers fan, Risky Business style, or more of a classic Aviators enthusiast going for Top Gun chic? No matter what style of sunglasses you love (or which Tom Cruise film you prefer) quality eye protection is key this summer. Not only is it essential for maximum eye health, it’s also important in preventing skin cancer and battling wrinkles. While you may be tempted to grab a pair of cute, cheap sunnies from the dollar bin, it pays to spend a little more on this vital piece of summer gear. In fact, research proves that shelling out extra dough for a pair of high quality sunglasses is absolutely worth the investment.
While paying a lot of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best protection, focusing too much on the price tag can ensure you don’t get the best pair for your needs. The good news is that you can get a quality pair of sunglasses without breaking the bank. However, shopping at the discount store without being prepared will set you and your eyes up for failure. In other words, be ready to make an investment but don’t worry about taking out a second mortgage! There is a lot to think about when purchasing the best pair of sunglasses to protect your peepers, and the following guidelines will lead you to the perfect pair.
Trying to save can hurt.
More expensive glasses offer scratch resistant lenses which aid in protecting your eyes and keeping them clear for vision. Unfortunately, most cheaper brands do not offer this protection. When the lenses become scratched, more UV light can get in, making it difficult to see and making your essential style accessory unsightly and pointless. A quality scratch resistant coating will help you keep your glasses wearable for years and save you money in the end.
Do labels matter?
Not as much as you think! Buying sunglasses is definitely not all about the brand. To get long lasting quality you will have to spend more money, but that doesn’t mean you have to go broke. Too often quality is tied to the brand, but that’s not always the case. Some high-end glasses offer only minimum protection while many of the mid-priced glasses offer high quality and lasting protection. Thankfully at Intracoastal Eye we carry labels that perform well and offer up loads of style for the plentiful Wilmington beach days.
Make it 100 percent.
Before price and style, one of your top requirements should be 100% UV protection. Ultraviolet light can severely damage the cornea and retina. Good, quality sunglasses can eliminate UV rays completely. Unfortunately, most inexpensive sunglasses do not offer 100% Ultraviolet protection.
Don’t be afraid to go big.
In most cases, bigger doesn’t always mean better. When it comes to sunglasses, however, bigger is often your best bet. Obviously with bigger glasses you are going to get more coverage. More coverage means more protection for your eyes. More importantly it means more projection around your eyes which aids with preventing wrinkles and skin cancer. The lower eyelid is one of the most common locations on the body for basal cell cancer. Much of the risk can be mitigated with quality sun wear. Larger sizes also help protect your eyes from harmful elements such as sand, snow and dust.
When it comes to shopping for sunglasses, there is often science and reason behind a higher price tag. With this must-have accessory, you truly get what you pay for. The right pair is out there, and at Intracoastal Eye it can include both protection and a comfortable price. We’re happy to guide you to the best pair of sunglasses when you’re ready to take the plunge. But don’t delay—summer is here, and it’s only going to get brighter!