How a Johns Hopkins Expert Chooses Sunglasses

Date: July 8, 2014

I see the ill effects of ultraviolet radiation on my patients’ eyes every day: cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium (or surfer’s eye, an abnormal growth on the white of the eye) and photokeratitis (sunburned eyes).

I tell my patients to protect their eyes using sunglasses, and I make sure to wear them, too. The one thing I look for is that they’re 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB absorbing.

If I’m active, like playing sports, I look for unbreakable polycarbonate or Trivex lenses. If I’m in a car or on a boat where the sun reflects off the surface, polarized lenses are best. They eliminate reflected rays.

When I’m simply looking for something to wear at the beach on a sunny day, I get myself a pair of cheap sunglasses. For maximum protection, I get ones that are wraparound, 99 to 100 percent UV absorbing, in a gray tint.

Jack Prince, O.D., is a doctor of optometry and a clinical associate at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute. He specializes in routine comprehensive eye care for children and adults.
 

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