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  • Dr. Sandra Chiu

When should I wear sunglasses

Summer is here and with it comes the sun - and the need to cover our eyes with the right sunglasses!


It is particularly important to wear your sunglasses in the situations below:


Is it sunny outside? Then put on those shades! You need to wear sunglasses on bright, sunny days to shield your eyes from those pesky direct sunlight and UV rays. It's especially important between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest and most damaging.


Are you engaging in any outdoor sports? Time to don your sunglasses! If you're out there in the sun enjoying some hiking, skiing, or water sports, wearing sunglasses is absolutely essential. That's because the reflective surfaces of snow, water, or sand can intensify the amount of UV radiation reaching your eyes, which is a recipe for eyewear disaster.


Are you in a high-altitude area? Then top off your outfit with some shades! When you're in high-altitude areas, such as mountains or planes, the UV radiation levels are higher, so protective sunglasses are a must. Don't let those UV rays turn your eyes into raisins!


What about cloudy or overcast days? Don't waste your sunglasses! It may seem like an odd time to wear sunglasses, but it's actually quite important. That's because UV rays can still penetrate clouds and reach your eyes on cloudy or overcast days. So, don't leave the house without some shades to make sure your eyes stay in good shape. Try green polarized lenses to help add contrast to those grey skies.


And if you work outdoors or in other environments where your eyes are exposed to lots of sunlight, like on construction sites or beaches, you should probably get your sunglasses out. They can reduce the risk of eye strain, discomfort, and long-term damage.


Not all sunglasses are created equal. It's not just about how dark the lenses are, but also how much UVA and UVB rays they can block. We recommend going for sunglasses that block 99-100% of those rays. Also, consider sunglasses with larger frames or wraparound styles to provide better coverage and minimize peripheral light.


If you want to be sure you're choosing the right pair of sunglasses, come to Lake Views Eye Care. Dr. Chiu and her team will help you pick the perfect shades for you based on your lifestyle - so you can look fabulous and keep your eyes healthy.

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