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Be Certain to Pair Style with Sun Safety When Picking a Pair of Sunglasses

Abrams Eye Institute recommends people get sunglasses with UV protection

Get Sunglasses with UV Protection.

With an average of 294 sunny days per year, sunglasses season in Las Vegas spans the four traditional seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall. The season that gets the most attention with sunglasses is definitely the summer. Summer in Southern Nevada means being outside at the pool, at parties and BBQs, concerts, baseball games. These and other events mean eyes need protection from the sun when it’s at its hottest.

The team at Abrams Eye Institute urges everyone to think about ultraviolet (UV) ray protection first, when shopping for a new pair of glasses.

“You can find sunglasses just about anywhere here in Las Vegas, and there are a lot of fun styles available to mix and match as you please,” said Jack Abrams, MD, founder of Abrams Eye Institute. “While being in fashion is always fun, we recommend that you make sure that the sunglasses you buy offer proper UV ray protection for your eyes.”

What Are Ultraviolet Rays and How Do They Affect Our Eyes?
UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun.. These wavelengths are classified as UVA, UVB, or UVC. Each of these have wavelengths shorter than visible light, making it invisible to the naked eye. UVA and UVB lights make it through the earth’s atmosphere and to your eyes. While the eye can’t see the rays of light, they cause damage to eyes, if they’re not properly protected.

UVA rays account for up to 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, leaving people exposed to significant levels of UVA throughout our lifetime. UVA rays are present during all daylight hours throughout the entire year, and can penetrate clouds and glass that’s not protected. Excessive exposure to UVA rays can cause eye issues, such as cataracts, to develop. While the team at Abrams provides world-class care with laser cataract surgery, they’d rather patients apply a few ounces of protection, with the right sunglasses, than have to provide a surgical cure.

“We always stress to our patients that prevention is the preferred cure, and taking simple precautions, such as wearing the right sunglasses, is a simple way to prevent or delay eye issues,” said Dr. Abrams. “When looking for glasses, simple terms such as UV protection, photochromic or polarized lenses are easy to find and can lead you to making the right choice with the glasses you wear every day.”

Patients who wear glasses, but don’t yet have a prescription for these lenses, can schedule an appointment with team at Abrams to get a prescription for these glasses, which get darker when worn in brighter locations, and clear up when indoors. These lenses can help make sun protection easier, as it can be accomplished with only one pair of glasses.
Patients who wear glasses may also want to consider laser LASIK surgery to get rid of the need for contact lenses. The procedure would allow them to pair contacts with sunglasses for greater convenience, along with strong UV protection.

Dr. Abrams also stressed that wearing the right pair of sunglasses is important for children, as they tend to spend more time outdoors than adults. Children’s eye lenses are also not yet as well developed as adults, and don’t block rays as well as more mature eyes.

In short, the team at Abrams Eye Institute encourages everyone to wear sunglasses all year long. And when you buy ones you think are fun and look good, always consider the quality of what you’re purchasing and make sure the ‘sunscreen for the eyes’ offer UV projection.

Abrams Eye Institute Can Help
In addition to providing laser cataract surgery, laser LASIK and general opthalmology, the team at Abrams Eye Institute can help you keep on top of your eye care with regular eye exams to ensure your eyes are healthy. Call Abrams at 702-304-9494 to see how our award-winning service can help you. Abrams Eye Institute has clinics in Southwest Las Vegas, Henderson and Pahrump.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.