Find the right shades for you

Sunglasses put the finishing touch on your hot summer look. But as the weather warms and the sun draws nearer, keep in mind they’re equal parts accessory and necessity. Ultraviolet light can seriously damage the sensitive skin around the eyes, a place where we rarely apply sunscreen.

The future is bright, boys. You better wear shades.

“Most people know using sunscreen is important,” says Dr. Adam Cox, of the Family Eye Care Clinic in Atlanta, Texas. “Protection of the eyes carries the same importance.”

Research directly links UV exposure to variety of cancers common in the eyelids and the skin around the eyes.

“Ultraviolet exposure can cause many problems, including skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, early cataracts and macular degeneration,” Cox says. “That’s why ultraviolet protection for eyes and skin around the eyes and eyelids is very important.”

Lenses are the crucial component of protection, and you want ones with a UV400 protection factor. You’ll usually find this number on the tag, or on a sticker on the lenses. You also need enough coverage, lenses that extend around the eyes.

“They need to shield the entire eye area, including the upper and lower lids, to help protect the sensitive skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves,” says John Abbate, of Wing Eyecare Optometry in Cincinnati.

Fishermen and sportsmen who will be out in the sun for long periods of time should get a sunglasses that wrap around the side of the face. This style affords the most protection, blocking sunlight from entering the sides of the frame.

“Ask the optician which type of lenses will be best for your hobbies,” says Dr. Tania Batts, an optometrist at Eye Care Associates of Kentucky in Mayfield, Ky. “If you are a fisherman or skier, you want polarized lenses to add additional glare blocking. If you like to shoot rifles, you may want to pick lenses that offer the protection of safety materials.”