Did you know that sunglasses, or at least sunglass lenses, regularly need to be replaced? Research shows the UV protection that sunglasses provide deteriorates over time. If you've been wearing the same pair for two or more years, it might be time for a new pair.

In addition to UV-blocking properties, anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings wear down, and frame material may become brittle over the years.

UV Light and Sunglasses

The protective efficacy of sunglasses comes largely from the lens coating of dyes and pigments that reflect and absorb ultraviolet radiation. However, this coating can break down over time. Wear and tear causes tiny abrasions that compromise its UV-blocking power. The more sunlight the lenses are exposed to, the more rapidly they become less effective.

Why It's Important to Protect Your Eyes from UV

Protecting your eyes from the sun is critical no matter where you are. UV exposure places you at risk for developing eye diseases like eye cancer, pterygium, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Even short-term overexposure can result in photokeratitis, a painful corneal sunburn.

What to Look for When Getting New Sunglasses

When choosing new sunglasses, make sure they're labeled 100% UV protection or UV400. Factors like cost, polarization, lens color, or darkness don't have much to do with UV protection level. Bigger is better if you spend a lot of time outdoors — wrap-around styles block light from all directions.

To find out whether your current sunglasses still offer adequate UV protection, visit Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio. Call us at (937) 228-2020 today.