Questions & Answers About Sunglasses With Dr. Alfano

Dr. Alfano Answers Your Questions About Sunglasses

Q: When can a person protect themselves from sun exposure?

“when can a person help”…..Sunglasses in addition to sunscreen for the skin is a crucial part of the total sun protection plan. Sunglasses will protect the eye and the delicate skin around the eyes that people are unable to apply creams. The eyes are susceptible all year around due to reflection like snow and rain covered roads that reflect the light to the eye even when the sun is less stronger but lower in the sky.

Q: What exactly are “ultraviolet rays?”

UV rays are light rays that are emitted from the Sun that are not visible to the human eye. These light rays are shorter in wavelength but have more energy and can cause damage to the skin and other tissues. Acutely this causes burns and over time can cause cell mutations that lead to cancer.

Q: How can people protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays?

Clothing, Wide rim hats, and sunglasses.

Q: Are sunglasses an important part of a sun protection plan?

Sunglasses are crucial for full protection.

Q: What type of sunglasses best protect from UV rays?

Optical quality sunglasses that have full UV protection. Polarized lenses also help with reflections off water and shiny surfaces near to the ground.

Q: I’ve heard of getting my skin sunburned, but can your eyes also get sunburned?

The eyes can UV burns. Intense UV burns can occur from things welding and happen very fast. Regular sun exposure causes irritation and sensitivity to light but happens more mildly and over a long period of time. People that live closer to the equator almost always show cumulative damage to the eye from chronic sun exposure.

Q: Do darker sunglasses mean better sun protection?

No. Some very dark tints only cover the visible light and may not have UV protection built in.

Q: Does having a prescription make it harder to get the right sunglasses?

Usually no. In some cases very high prescriptions can change the type of frame that can be outfitted but once in the right frame is chosen for the prescription is considered almost any prescription can be done in sunglasses.

Q: Do certain brands of sunglasses perform better than other brands?

Yes. Reputable brands that have experience and technology that is engineered for sun lenses can increase the performance and experience.