Sunglasses: More Than Just an Accessory

An article by Lucy    No Comments

By now, we all know how important it is to protect our skin from sun damage, but how often do we consider our eyes? In a study this year, the Vision Council of America found that 40 percent of U.S. adults don’t wear sunglasses at all, and 44.7 percent of women don’t look for health- or safety-related information when purchasing sunglasses. Alarming stats, given that long-term sun exposure of the eyes can lead to photokeratitis, cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer of the eye and surrounding skin. But if I’m being honest, I, too, have only ever thought about style when it comes to my glasses, and I definitely haven’t worried too much on days when I’ve forgotten to wear them—though I will now that I know that eyes are more likely to be penetrated by harmful UV rays on cloudy days.

The good news is that eyewear brands are catching up quickly—you don’t have to wear funky yellow-tinted ski goggles to ensure sun protection anymore. Most sunglasses come with a label indicating both UVA and UVB protection, but you should also check for an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sticker that affirms the frames and lenses meet safety criteria.

Above are some of our favorite safe—and stylish!—shades. Clockwise from top: Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Oliver Peoples Alisha, Paul Smith Seela, Mykita Mylon Orion, and Mykita Mylon Atlas. For more brands approved by the Vision Council of America.

PHOTO: ALIX TUNNEL