Protect The Skin Surrounding Your Eyes: Invest in Quality Sunglasses

Although we may not have complete control, there are some steps we can take to reduce, diminish and slow the effects of under eye wrinkles. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, one of the greatest threats to our eyes is invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Sun exposure leads to premature aging of the skin. This is seen in increased wrinkles and loss of elasticity. In fact, excessive sun exposure is responsible for 80% of premature skin aging. Therefore, ophthalmologists recommend that you wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat whenever you’re in the sun for long periods of time. This will not only protect your eye area from the sun's damaging rays, but will also stop you from squinting into the sun - another known cause of eye wrinkles.

When to Wear Sunglasses

Sunglasses should be worn anytime you are outdoors, particularly during the summer; when at the beach or in water; when participating in winter sports, especially at high altitudes; and when using medications such as tetracycline, doxycycline and phenothiazine, that can cause photosensitivity.

Some Buying Tips

1. Look for sunglasses with 99 to 100 percent ultraviolet protection. UV protection is the most important concern when shopping for sunglasses. Some manufacturers’ labels say “UV absorption up to 400nm.” This is the same thing as 100% UV absorption.
2. Close fitting or wraparound sunglasses offer better protection from UV rays, as they protect your eyes from all angles. Wraparounds also hug the face, lessening the amount of light that can enter over the top or at the cheekbones.
3. Polarized lenses cut reflected glare, i.e., sunlight that bounces off smooth surfaces like pavement or water. They can be particularly useful for driving and fishing.
4. Brown or amber lenses enhance contrast while altering the natural colors of objects very little. This lens tint is great for sports and driving or any activity where contrast is important. While this tint is not the darkest available, it is suitable for everyday use.
5. Green lenses are a good everyday tint. They are of medium darkness and have some contrast enhancing qualities while not distorting colors.
6. Grey lenses are generally the darkest lenses available. They do not enhance contrast at all, but also do not distort colors. They are most suitable for people that are in extremely bright light conditions or need a "true color" lens.
7. Vermillion or rose lenses provide some of the best contrast enhancement. They are suitable for mild to medium light conditions. Common uses are golf and skiing, however, this is also a suitable general purpose lens as well.
8. Orange and yellow lenses provide excellent depth perception and contrast in low light conditions. They are often used as shooting glasses. They excel in overcast conditions or in environments with little light.
9. Blue, purple, or clear lenses are usually fashion tints and offer no real benefits.

Quality sunglasses are an investment in the long-term health of your eyes. They will help to protect the delicate skin surrounding the eyes from premature wrinkles. So don’t skimp. Ray Ban offers high quality lenses and frames in a moderate price range. Oakley offers high end sport sunglasses. Whatever your choice, a good pair of sunglasses is an investment well worth the money and prevention of under eye wrinkles.

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