By Paul J. Chiles
When summer rolls around in Ontario, you’ll want to whip out the sunscreen. We’ve previously noted that the sun’s harmful rays are one of the primary reasons why over 30,000 Ontarians are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, with rates rising among younger age groups given that children are more vulnerable to sun-related skin damage. That’s why it’s crucial to apply and reapply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours—even on cloudy days.
However, it’s equally crucial to shield yourself against the dangers of the sun that go beyond the skin-deep. Notably, its UV rays also pose risks to your vision. They can reach all the way to the backs of your eyes, slowly damaging them over time and increasing your likelihood of developing age-related eye conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. These are the same diseases that cause over 62% of Ontario’s ophthalmologists to dedicate their services to older adults. And, as with the skin, children’s developing eyes are more vulnerable to the sun.
So, how do you shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays? Wear sunglasses. Here’s how to guarantee yours provides maximum protection.
Ensure 100% UV protection
Contrary to popular belief, dark-tinted sunglasses don’t guarantee sun protection. If they’re not labeled “UV400” or “100% UVA and UVB protection,” they can actually do more harm than good – dilating your pupils and letting more light in. Look for these labels on your sunglasses to ensure they can actually protect your eyes. If they don’t have them, consider buying a new pair.
Avail of vision-correcting features
Do you wear eyeglasses for vision correction? Don’t let them stop you from wearing sunglasses out of inconvenience. If you’re truly invested in your eye health, it’s worth adding prescription lenses when buying a new pair of sunglasses. Unlike transition lenses and clip-on sunglasses, they won’t take long to darken, especially in Canada’s colder temperatures, or be flimsy and easily lost. More importantly, they won’t require you to wear sunglasses over your eyeglasses. Ray-Ban’s range of prescription sunglasses illustrates that you can customize pretty much any frame of your choice with prescription lenses, whether you prefer the classic Aviator design or the more rectangular Wayfarer. Many models also accommodate different kinds of vision correction needs, including both single and multifocal prescriptions, on top of offering lenses that already provide 100% UV protection. These options should help shield you from the sun’s harmful rays, even if you experience refractive errors.
Shield yourself from glare
Canada’s top vacation destinations range from beaches to ski resorts, and the sun will shine down on you no matter which one you head to. Aside from being vulnerable to its UV rays, however, you’re also exposed to its glare. When it bounces off reflective surfaces like water and snow, it can hurt your eyes and may lead to photokeratitis, or “snow blindness,” causing temporary vision loss. Not all sunglasses can protect you from glare—only those with polarized lenses can. Given Canada’s diverse landscapes, it’s one of the biggest markets for polarized sunglasses, especially for those who enjoy skiing and more of the country’s outdoor activities. Polarized lens coatings use vertical filters to block the sun’s harmful rays, which shine horizontally. If you want glare protection, look at Maui Jim’s polarized eyewear offerings for a good idea of what to buy. It’s especially popular here for using a unique PolarizedPlus2® lens technology on models like the Kahiko and Punikai, enhancing how you see color even in bright conditions and preventing the sun from washing out your vision.
Guarantee maximum coverage
If you’re buying new sunglasses because the pair you have at home doesn’t guarantee things like UV protection, vision correction, and polarization, consider getting one with oversized or wraparound frames. Oversized frames like the Versace Biggie can be more effective in protecting your eyes from harmful rays simply because they cover more of the eye area. As an added bonus, they’ll also shield more of the surrounding skin from the sun. If you lead more of an active lifestyle, consider getting models like Oakley’s Sutro sunglasses. The frames on such pairs reach back further toward your temples and are made from more durable materials, which means they can protect you from both the sun and any dirt and debris that may injure your eyes during physical activities like cycling.
Wear your sunglasses year-round
Once you’ve found the most effective sunglasses for your needs, wear them whenever you’re outdoors—regardless of rain or shine, or whether it’s summer or not. In breaking down some common sunglasses myths, the Canadian Association of Optometrists explains that UV exposure in Canada stays the same even when it’s not summer. More importantly, 90% of UV rays can reach the ground even on cloudy days. To truly protect yourself from the sun, it’s thus crucial to wear sunglasses whenever you can.
