So Sing Along with PRIDE!

A recent study showed that the only thing you are more protected from wearing designer sunglasses is more money in your wallet.

At the School of Optometry at the University of California Berkeley professor  Dennis Fong found discount sunglasses costing less than $10 were just as good at blocking out 100 per cent of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Dr Fong did say that choosing the right sunglasses is important. Opticians recommend wearing them whenever in strong sunshine for longer than 10 minutes. The sun is at its most dangerous for your eye sight from mid April until the end of September - when the levels of UV rays are three times higher at midday than they are during the winter. The levels of UVB during the summer can be as much as ten times higher.  It is well known that UV light can cause damage to the eyes which often accumulates over the years, leading to sight problems.

UVB causes cataracts to form, meaning the eye’s lens becomes cloudy in places. Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world.

What to look for in your cheap sunglasses?

  • A statement that the sunglasses offer 100% UV protection
  • Make sure that the glasses offer protection at the side of the eye. The wraparound style of glasses are popular in Australia where sun safety is very important.

Is there an upside to designer sunglasses? According to the good doctor, while there was no difference in terms of the protection against harmful rays,  pricier glasses many times have more durable frames, higher-end design and a more comfortable fit.

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