The Importance of Sunglasses

No one can deny the wonderful effects of sunny days on your mood, energy, and immune system, all thanks to essential vitamin D provided gratis by the sun. Indeed, time spent outdoors soaking up the sunshine vitamin is great for your health and well-being.

The price for accepting the sun’s benefits is exposure to the damaging effects of UV rays. You know to apply sunscreen before heading out to protect exposed skin, but please don’t underestimate the danger UV rays pose to your eyes.

Your eyes absorb light directly from the sun as well as from reflected light, like what bounces back off asphalt, water, and sand. This light contains harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause eye conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration to form prematurely. Plus, your eyes can become sunburned!

Sunglasses are much more than a fashion accessory; they are an essential tool to protect your eyes from those harmful UV rays and other environmental factors. Make it a habit! Don’t leave home without them!

Don’t leave your eyes exposed! Here are six sun protection tips for your eyes:

1. Not all sunglasses are made to protect your eyes. Some are simply fashion accessories. It’s best to buy your sunglasses from a reputable eyewear store, where you will be provided 100% UV protection. Anything less won’t do the job.

2. Buy sunglasses that have good coverage. They need to cover your eyes and the delicate skin around them fully.

3. Choose polarized lenses. The invisible filter added to polarized lenses reduces glare, particularly hard on the eyes when driving, boating or skiing.

4. You can choose sunglasses with a lens colour specific to your activities and environment. For example, brown lenses can provide better vision while playing golf, and gray lenses can increase visibility while driving. More reasons to get that extra pair of sunglasses!

5. Consider choosing eyeglasses that work for you year-round indoors and outside. Transitions may be a solution for you! These lenses adapt to the environment. They change from clear to dark when you walk outdoors in seconds. One pair of glasses and one glass case to carry, and you get excellent UV protection.

6. Consider wearing sunglasses on cloudy days. UV rays still come through clouds even when you don’t see them, and you will also have better visibility due to reduced glare. Try a yellow or orange coloured lens, which is recommended for overcast days.

Are you looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses? Have a look at our latest styles! or visit your local IRIS, and our eyecare professionals will help identify the perfect lens, fit, and style for you.

---

Did you know CARP members receive exclusive offers at IRIS?

• $150 IRIS Certificate: Redeemable towards the purchase of eyeglasses or sunglasses including a frame (such as custom tailored Topology frames) and a pair of fully coated prescription lenses (lens value minimum value of $250)
• $50 IRIS Certificate: Redeemable towards the purchase of a pair of fully coated progressive lenses for your current frames (minimum value of $250)
• $25 IRIS Certificate: Redeemable towards the purchase of a pair of fully coated single vision lenses for your current frames (minimum value of $250)
• $50 IRIS Certificate: Redeemable towards the purchase of non-prescription sunglasses valued at $100 or more.
• $50 IRIS Certificate: Redeemable towards the purchase of annual supply of contact lenses.
• $250 IRIS Certificate: Redeemable for laser eye surgery both eyes or $250 per eye for specific intraocular lens replacement. (Available at our Ophthalmology Clinic in Laval, Quebec only)

Register with CARP and receive your IRIS Benefits. Visit www.carp.ca.