How to choose sunglasses for this summer

Everyone knows that the sun's radiation has a negative impact on your skin's health, and luckily, from a very young age we start to take care of ourselves during the summer. Sun creams and protection against the sun's most damaging rays.

But not only the skin suffers during the summer months, we must also take into account the care of our eyes. Like the skin, the eyes also remembers, and the effects of the sun can be noticeable throughout the long term. Several studies prove the sun's damage to the eye. According to scientists, ultraviolet radiation can affect the macula or area of central vision in the long term, this part of the human eye allows the highest visual sharpness and color vision.

For this reason, all specialists recommend the use of sunglasses, which, especially in summer, become an essential accessory for everyone, adults and children.

One of the first problems when it comes to choosing a model is the variety, which is growing every day. Shapes, colours and glasses complicate our decision making.

However, the first thing we should pay attention to is its homologation. This issue, rather than the aspect of the eyewear, should be our main priority when choosing one type or another. 

The most important thing about sunglasses is that they are CE certified. In addition, they must carry the identification of ISO EN 1836:1997 and must protect us 100% from ultraviolet radiation (distinctive UV).

The problem with wearing sunglasses without UV protection is that the pupils dilate and UV rays can enter the eye barrier-free. Wearing unprotected glasses can become more dangerous than not wearing any glasses at all.

That's why it's very important that you visit an optician when buying your sunglasses.

Optometrists are health professionals who know exactly what materials, filters, colours, usages and other characteristics of sunglasses.

How can we choose a good protection?

In order to choose one, we must know that there are four types of protection: from 0 to 4.

Safety glasses 4, block a higher percentage of light. But beware, we must not confuse it with the UV filter, which must be 100%.

The most usual thing for a sunglass would be a category between 2 and 3.

In other words, the higher the category, the greater the darkness of the glasses although this does not mean that the protection is greater.

For example, category 4 filters are too dark to drive. Therefore we must match the category to the intended usage.

Children also need sunglasses

Due to their young age, children's eyes are more sensitive to sunlight.

Compared to the eyes of an adult, the percentage of UVA and UVB rays penetrating children's eyes is much higher.

Younger children's glasses must be tailored to their needs:

- They must be made of a resistant and safe material. Comfortable and flexible.

- Lenses should be difficult to break and high protection.

- Preferably with a wrap-around design so that the glasses protect as many angles as possible.

- They must have a suitable bridge to support the nose well.

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