Stay a shade ahead in the sun

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/05/2020 (1114 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I love my sunglasses, and will rarely be seen outside without them. I have spent a small fortune on sunglasses over the years and wondered if it is necessary to spend a lot of money to get the best protection. So I went to an expert to find out.

Dr. Christian Peloquin, an optometrist at Henderson Vision Centre (1439 Henderson Hwy.), says “sunglasses are important to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light rays.  UV rays can lead to (or worsen) eye conditions, most notably cataracts.

“When purchasing a pair of sunglasses, the buyer should look for labels on the lenses that indicate the lenses do what we intend for them to do — block UV rays. The Canadian Association of Optometrists advises that buyers should ‘choose quality sunglasses…that block out 99 to 100 per cent of UV-A and UV-B radiation and screen out 75 to 90 per cent of visible light’.”

I also asked Dr. Peloquin about UV protection options for prescription eyeglass wearers. There are three options and I will list these from least expensive to most expensive:

• Clip-ons with proper UV protection;

• Transition lenses — your eyeglasses can be made with photocromic lenses that turn dark when exposed to UV rays, and return to a clear state when you return inside;

• A second pair of prescription eyeglasses, with lenses tinted with UV protection.
Some very important things that I did not know:

• Polarized lenses, which are more expensive, are much better at reducing glare and improving clarity of vision. They do not offer more protection; however, they can make outdoor activities more comfortable for your eyes.

• Kids need sunglasses, too. “Children should definitely wear sunglasses year-round. The Canadian Association of Optometrists estimates that 50 per cent of lifetime UV exposure happens before the age of 18”, Peloquin says.

• Sunglasses should be worn outside even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still reach our eyes on cloudy, overcast days.

Any sunglasses that offer UV protection are better than no sun protection at all. The price and brand name does not affect the ability or quality of the lens to protect your eyes, only the fact that the lenses block UV rays.  

I should perhaps have asked this question sooner, as I am not exaggerating if I tell you that I have spent thousands on my sunglasses over the years.  

Oh well, they were really pretty, too. (Please don’t tell my husband that last part…)

Wendy Hrynkiw is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email her at wendyhrynkiw@shaw.ca