A: Absolutely NOT!
Not all sunglasses are created equal. Some are made just for porma or as a fashion accessory, while some actually protect your eyes. Do not confuse dark-colored sunglasses for protection even though it offers shade from the sun. You don’t have to spend too much for a good pair of sunglasses but note that you shouldn’t scrimp on it either because cheap ones can actually hurt your eyes.
Soaking up the sun is everybody’s favorite activity this summer. But just as you would protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays using sunblock lotions, you must protect your eyes as well. Before looking at the design, first look at the UV protection a pair of sunglasses offer. Choose the ones that are labeled to offer protection from a wide spectrum of UV rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays. This includes those labeled as "UV 400," which blocks all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.
Now, why do I advise against buying cheap sunglasses from street vendors?
According to experts, dark-colored shades without UV protection can be more harmful to your eyes than not wearing shades at all. When you do not wear shades, you tend to squint and your pupils constrict, allowing lesser light to come in. When you wear dark shades, your eyes can see well, and your pupils dilate allowing more light to come into your eyes. But because it does not have UV protection, it also allows the harmful UVA and UVB rays to reach your eyes, therefore hurting you all the more.
Exposing your eyes to UVA and UVB rays may increase the risk for cataracts, macular degeneration and even development of ocular melanoma — a very rare type of cancer. So please go for fashionable shades but make sure it has UV protection.
Okay, well maybe the tiangge vendor tells you she is selling shades with UV protection but only for maybe P150. And you checked the label, it does say UV protection. Would you believe them? Honestly, if their supplier can imitate the designs of branded shades like those of Ray Ban Aviator and Wayfarer lines, they will have no trouble printing UVA and UVB protection labels even if it really isn’t.
So, to make sure your shades really have UV protection, better to purchase from trusted brands. Spend a little bit more and think of it as an investment. It gives you eye protection and they would last longer, at least five years.
But should you spend P10,000 and above for a good pair? Well I honestly don’t think you have to. Shades priced that expensive are probably luxury brands. And if you can’t afford them, don’t worry. You can always settle for branded shades worth P2,000 to P6,000 that offer both fashion and UV protection.
Rethink your choices this summer. Make sure you are cute but also protected.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
