How to know if sunglasses are good or not: four tips

BarcelonaWith the arrival of good weather, sun exposure increases, as does the desire to wear new sunglasses. But do we know what we're buying when we choose a pair of glasses? Optometrist Carla Fàbregas gives us four tips.

1. Remember that it is not fashion but health. Although they're an accessory and we can choose styles according to our tastes, sunglasses aren't a fashion accessory: they're about eye health. "They protect the conjunctiva, cornea, lens, and retina from premature aging and diseases like cataracts or macular degeneration," explains Fàbregas. Therefore, he recommends wearing sunglasses year-round, and starting from a young age.
2. Buy in specialized stores. The optometrist assures that the only way to ensure that glasses truly filter UV rays is to buy them at an optician's. "Dark glasses aren't necessarily safe," he explains. "When a lens casts a shadow, the darkness causes the pupil to dilate, but if they don't filter ultraviolet rays, it will only allow more harmful radiation to enter." In other words, wearing bad glasses can be worse than not wearing them at all.
3. Get advice on filter size and shape. At opticians, the filter category (from 0 to 4) indicates the degree of lens darkening. "It's prohibited to drive with grade 4 glasses, which are highly recommended for snow," says Fàbregas. That's why it's important to seek expert advice based on your intended use. At the same time, keep in mind that the level of protection also depends on size and shape. "The larger and more enveloping the glasses, the more of the eye they cover and the less lateral light there will be," he asserts. This is especially useful in highly exposed environments, such as the beach, the sea, snow, or mountains.
4. Graduate. If you wear prescription glasses, it is recommended that your sunglasses also be prescription glasses. "Otherwise, many people end up switching to prescription glasses even when exposed to the sun," explains Fàbregas. In addition to prescription sunglasses, there are some models that can be clipped on, and a type of lenses called photochromic that adapt to the level of luminosity.