May has begun, the (official) bathing season is closer: objectives, age, lens color, materials and side protection. Everything explained.
May started this Monday and the plans to go to beach they multiply.
Heat is expected for the first days of the month, although the heat wave seen in April has already broken records in Portugal.
As Natércia Barreto sang, after arranging everything you need to take to the beach, it’s important not to forget the sunglasses – that are not just a fashion accessory. They are much more than that, reinforces ophthalmologist Rufino Silva, professor of Medicine at the University of Coimbra.
The specialist, in information sent to ZAP, starts by addressing the age: It is essential to wear sunglasses from childhood. Especially because the most important ocular damage caused by ultraviolet rays is cumulative throughout life. Protection in children must be even stricter than in adults.
Sunglasses, of course, essentially protect us from ultraviolet rays coming from the Sun – hence the name. These rays can give rise to pterygium (a tissue that grows over the cornea, the transparent part of the front of our eye), palpebral and conjunctival tumors, acute photokeratitis, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
A color of sunglasses lenses is not important for ultraviolet protection. It is important for the quality of vision in different situations of our life. Color can affect how we see, but not protection.
You materials are different. Glass is more resistant and offers excellent optical quality, but may not block UV rays as much. Acrylic is lightweight and impact resistant, more economical, but can scratch easily. Polycarbonate is also light and impact resistant, making it an excellent choice for sports or outdoor activity glasses and for children – and they protect them more from UV rays; polyurethane, the most resistant, with thin lenses, with sharper and clearer vision – but they are also the most expensive lenses.
Finally, the protection side. In situations of work or sport, it is essential to avoid injuries. They also cover more of the area around the eyes to ensure protection from reflected sunlight and other environmental hazards.
The essential thing, whatever the choice and the context, is to confirm that the sunglasses have 100% protection against ultraviolet rays.
ZAP // 
