Vision Source Mandan Blog

Are Our Eyes Safe Behind Cut-Rate Sunglasses?

When it comes to sunglasses, what you can’t see can hurt you!

You may think your shades are doing their job by just taking away the sun’s glare. But sunglasses have another important purpose—blocking invisible ultraviolet light. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can cause short-term discomfort. More importantly, over time, it can lead to cataracts and other vision problems.

It’s not immediately obvious if sunglasses are blocking damaging UV light. In fact, wearing dark glasses that don’t block UV rays can actually be more harmful to your eyes than wearing no protection at all!

Discount Sunglasses Could Endanger Vision

Our eyes have amazing mechanisms that allow them to adjust to different levels of light. In dim conditions, the pupil (the opening that lets light into the eye) increases in size to allow more light to reach the retina. In bright light, it contracts to avoid overexposure.

Wearing sunglasses makes your eyes’ sensors believe they’re in low light, and the pupils expand in size up to 6 millimeters. If your sunglasses aren’t blocking UV rays, this expansion allows much more harmful light in than if you weren’t wearing sunglasses at all!

Know What To Look For When Selecting Shades

The next time you’re out shopping for sunglasses, keep these few simple things in mind. Quality sunglasses will have them listed on a sticker or tag:

  • blocks 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays
  • meets ANSI Z80.3 quality standards
  • provides UV 400 protection (another way of saying they block 100% of UVA/UVB)

If the tag doesn’t offer specific numbers about protection, don’t buy the glasses. Some less expensive sunglasses meet these standards and some costly ones don’t! So, don’t judge strictly on price! The best way to make sure that you’re getting true quality UV protection is to come and see us! We have great options that are fashionable AND provide proper protection for your eyes.

Protecting Our Eyes For Lifelong Vision

Our eyes are too precious to risk on low-grade protection and care! That’s why we take extra steps to ensure that the advice and treatment we provide is of the highest quality, and tailored to each of our patient’s specific needs.

Contact a Vision Source® practice near you for your next appointment. We care about your long-term eye health and we’re honored when you trust us to take care of your vision.

(Top image by Flickr user Bob n Renee used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.)


Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

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