Share the article:  Facebook  Twitter June 27, 2014 Fit Facts: Be On the Lookout for Protective Sunglasses Why do you need sunglasses? UV Protection. The sun's UV radiation can cause cataracts, benign growths on the eye's surface; and photokeratitis, sometimes called snow blindness, which is a temporary, but painful, sunburn of the eye's surface. Blue-Light Protection. Long-term exposure to the blue and violet portion of the solar spectrum is a risk factor for macular degeneration, especially for individuals who are “sun sensitive.” Skin Cancer. Cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes is more common than people think. People should wear sunglasses outdoors whether they are working, driving, participating in sports, taking a walk, running errands or doing anything in the sun. Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to protect your eyes and they can often be found at a local drugstore. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag. While both plastic and glass lenses absorb some UV light, UV absorption is improved by adding certain chemicals to the lens material during manufacturing or by applying special lens coatings. Always choose sunglasses that are labeled as blocking 99 percent-to-100 percent of UV rays. Sources: Glaucoma.org, American Optometric Association | 