MS Speaks

Sunglasses are labeled according to guidelines for UV protection established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The two forms of UV light that affect health include:

UVA, which is responsible for skin tanning and aging.

UVB, which is linked to sunburn and skin cancer; a large portion is absorbed by the atmosphere’s ozone layer.
 
As the eyes age, problems with vision become more common. Learn how to recognize the risk factors and symptoms of specific eye diseases — cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — and what steps you can take to prevent or treat them before your vision deteriorates.

 

Before buying sunglasses, look at the ANSI label; even inexpensive sunglasses can be effective.

Cosmetic: Lightly tinted lenses, good for daily wear. Blocks 70% of UVB rays, 20% of UVA, and 60% of visible light.

General purpose: Medium to dark lenses, fine for most outdoor recreation. Blocks 95% of UVB, 60% of UVA, and 60% to 90% of visible light. Most sunglasses fall into this category.

Special purpose: Extremely dark lenses with UV blockers, recommended for places with very bright conditions such as beaches and ski slopes. Blocks 99% of UVB, 60% of UVA, and 97% of visible light.

A darker looking lens may not provide better UV protection than a lighter lens.

If you aren’t sure what kind of sunglasses to buy, or think you may be at high risk for eye disease, check with your eye doctor.