What should you look for when buying sunglasses?

With rising temperatures, the rate at which ultraviolet (UV) rays reach the earth has increased. This situation directly threatens the delicate structure of the human eye. The Turkish Ophthalmological Association (TOD), which represents Turkish ophthalmologists, has warned citizens against the increasing intensity of sunlight during the summer months. Association officials emphasized that if proper sunglasses are not used, it can trigger serious vision loss in later years, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes.

THE INVISIBLE DANGER: WHICH RAYS THREATEN THE EYES?

The human eye can perceive the light band with wavelengths between 400 and 760 nanometers coming from the sun. However, ultraviolet (UV) rays that fall below this limit and contain high energy have a disruptive effect on cell structure and DNA.

The most harmful wavelengths, such as UV-C, which are more likely to leak to the earth's surface due to the thinning of the ozone layer in the atmosphere, pave the way for corneal damage, early-onset cataracts, and macular degeneration that affects the center of vision. Experts state that the way to minimize all these risks is through the use of proper sunglasses.

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING SUNGLASSES?

The presence of numerous colors, brands, and models of sunglasses on the market can lead to confusion. The Turkish Ophthalmological Association has listed 7 golden rules to follow in order to choose the most functional and economical sunglasses to protect eye health:

100% UV Protection is the First Requirement: Before aesthetics, when buying glasses, one should look for the "UV 400" or "100% UV protected" label, which indicates that the lenses block 100 percent of ultraviolet rays.

Larger Lenses are Safer: The larger the area the sunglass lens covers, the higher the level of protection. Especially to prevent sunlight that might leak from the sides, designs with wide frames should be preferred.

Do Not Fall for the Dark Lens Misconception: Very dark lenses do not mean they provide higher protection. The factor that determines the protective quality is not the darkness of the lens, but the UV-blocking capacity of the filter used.

Lens Color Affects Contrast: Whether the lens is green, gray, or yellow does not increase protection; however, it helps improve contrast and depth perception during sports activities.

Polarized Filters Only Prevent Glare: Polarized lenses reduce glare reflecting off the surface of the sea, lakes, or roads, making vision more comfortable. However, the polarized feature alone does not mean it provides UV protection; the glasses must also have a UV filter.

Price Does Not Always Indicate Quality: The fact that sunglasses are expensive does not mean they are the healthiest glasses. What matters is not the price, but the documentation that they provide 100% UV protection in accordance with standards.

Check for Quality Certificates: Care should be taken to ensure that the product to be purchased is approved by the TSE (Turkish Standards Institution) and bears the CE mark, which indicates compliance with European standards.

News Source: 12punto