Omaha District UMC

How to protect yourself from cataracts and other vision problems associated with ultraviolet (UV) light radiation, what should you do? Wearing sunglasses immediately comes to mind, but do they really protect your eyes from the sun?
To compare how well sunglasses block UV rays, Consumer Reports tested more than 48 brands with a spectrophotometer. This instrument measures the amount of UV and visible light from the sun-block. The standards used were those adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). “The ANSI standards apply to three classes of nonprescription sunglasses cosmetic, general purpose and special purpose sunglasses. The standards are thresholds for both transmission of UVB and UVA (the two types of UV rays that damage to the eyes ). Cosmetic models are allowed to transfer up to 30 percent of UVB striking sunglasses lens. General Purpose models, but must block at least 95 percent of UVB and a large part of the UVA as well. “standards for a particular purpose Models – branded sunglasses for mountaineering, skiing, and the like – most of them are severe. These models need to filter out at least 99 percent of UVB to meet the standard, “said Consumer Reports.
How well have the brands tested, the following ANSI standards? Consumer Reports found that the majority of sunglasses on the market today is very good. In the past, many do not block UV rays and causes students to stretch far, so that more harmful rays in the eye. Fortunately, improvements in design have eliminated the problem.
“We’ve found that all models that are very well against UVB. All the samples we tested – including the cheapest non-branded models – meets ANSI standards for general purpose sunglasses. Most also met ANSI UVB stricter standards for special-purpose sunglasses , although some of them were sold as such, “said Consumer Reports. Most models also protected the user from the blue light has been associated with a macular degeneration.
How much should you spend on sunglasses, without your sight? Since many brands provide adequate protection, there’s no need to buy an expensive model. On the contrary, even the cheapest brands tested by Consumer Reports are good for everyday use. While high – inexpensive models may offer more in terms of better workmanship or materials is not always the case.
“Under lens to choose from, you must not go high-tech, to comfort and versatility. Polarizing key lenses, to reduce the reflected glare, are particularly useful for driving. An independent, single-lens shading is a good all-round performer . Medium-to-glasses with a dark gray hue, or with a slight brownish or greenish hue, is generally much filter out the blue light with little distortion of color perception. Here you find all these qualities in many cheap pair of sunglasses, “said Consumer Reports.