Five-year alert to anyone who owns a pair of sunglasses
People are just learning that sunglasses can, in fact, 'go off', leaving eyes at risk of permanent eye damage. There are a few warning signs that your sunglasses need replacing or repairing - and they can help you dodge these avoidable health problems.
Unlike food, sunglasses don't expire on a set date. Instead, people have a window of a few years with their glasses on average before the UV protection starts to degrade to a point where their eyes aren't as protected against the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays as much.
Eyewear manufacturer Beautaste claims that the passage of time itself isn't to blame. Unavoidable things that lead to daily wear and tear, such as scratches, poor storage, and prolonged exposure to UV rays, all combine to make sunglasses less protective over time.
Experts claim that a good pair of resistant sunglasses can, on average, last "anywhere from two to five years, sometimes longer." But just how long your favourite sunglasses last depends on how you use, store, and care for them.
A 2016 study from the University of São Paulo suggested replacing sunglasses with UV protection every two years. However, this was under the specific condition of constant, direct sunlight exposure (minimum of two hours a day, every day, for 730 straight days) and most people don't wear sunglasses under such extreme conditions - but the guidance proves the damage the sun's rays can do.
To get the most life from your lenses, experts suggest using a hard case when not in use. Stay on top of cleaning the lenses with a microfibre cloth and keep them away from heat and direct sunlight when stored. People should also avoid placing them lens-first on hard surfaces to reduce the risk of damage.
Sunglasses primarily work by reducing the amount of visible light and harmful UV rays that reach your eyes. They achieve this through a combination of tinting, which absorbs light, and special coatings, like UV filters, that block ultraviolet radiation.
Polarised lenses, specifically, reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or roads, enhancing visibility in bright conditions. This allows wearers to see more clearly in bright conditions, especially in situations where glare is a major issue (such as driving).
According to the National Eye Institute, exposure to UV radiation from the sun can lead to damage that can range from short-term conditions like photokeratitis (sunburned eyes) to long-term issues such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
When should I consider replacing sunglasses?
If you notice scratches, cracks, or other visible damage to the lenses, it's a good time to consider replacement. If you notice your eyes feeling strained or more sensitive to light while wearing your sunglasses, it could be a sign that they are no longer providing adequate UV protection as well.
If you're in love with the style of your sunglasses, replacing the lenses themselve can be an option. The safest and most effective way to replace your lenses is by visiting an optician who can select the right lenses for your sunglasses and fit them professionally, ensuring that the lenses are installed correctly and continue to protect your eyes.
Some sunglasses come with removable lenses, making it easier to replace them at home. However, not all models allow for this, and some may require special tools. If your sunglasses have this feature, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
For people taking this as an opportunity to refresh the style of their sunglasses, experts warn that expensive and designer sunglasses aren't always best for their health. Specsavers claimed that shoppers need to be mindful of "certified UV protection" to keep their eyes safe from damage - and shared this guide of what to look for when picking your next set of shades.
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6 days ago
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Five-year alert to anyone who owns a pair of sunglasses
Sunglasses aren't just a style statement, and forgetting to maintain them could lead to serious health issues People are just learning that sunglasses can, in fact, 'go off', leaving eyes at risk of permanent eye damage. There are a few warning signs that your sunglasses need replacing or repairing - and they can help you dodge these avoidable health problems. Unlike food, sunglasses don't expire on a set date. Instead, people have a window of a few years with their glasses on average before the UV protection starts to degrade to a point where their eyes aren't as protected against the harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays as much. Eyewear manufacturer Beautaste claims that the passage of time itself isn't to blame. Unavoidable things that lead to daily wear and tear, such as scratches, poor storage, and prolonged exposure to UV rays, all combine to make sunglasses less protective over time. Experts claim that a good pair of resistant sunglasses can, on average, last "anywhere from two to five years, sometimes longer." But just how long your favourite sunglasses last depends on how you use, store, and care for them. A 2016 study from the University of São Paulo suggested replacing sunglasses with UV protection every two years. However, this was under the specific condition of constant, direct sunlight exposure (minimum of two hours a day, every day, for 730 straight days) and most people don't wear sunglasses under such extreme conditions - but the guidance proves the damage the sun's rays can do. To get the most life from your lenses, experts suggest using a hard case when not in use. Stay on top of cleaning the lenses with a microfibre cloth and keep them away from heat and direct sunlight when stored. People should also avoid placing them lens-first on hard surfaces to reduce the risk of damage. Sunglasses primarily work by reducing the amount of visible light and harmful UV rays that reach your eyes. They achieve this through a combination of tinting, which absorbs light, and special coatings, like UV filters, that block ultraviolet radiation. Polarised lenses, specifically, reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or roads, enhancing visibility in bright conditions. This allows wearers to see more clearly in bright conditions, especially in situations where glare is a major issue (such as driving). According to the National Eye Institute, exposure to UV radiation from the sun can lead to damage that can range from short-term conditions like photokeratitis (sunburned eyes) to long-term issues such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. When should I consider replacing sunglasses? If you notice scratches, cracks, or other visible damage to the lenses, it's a good time to consider replacement. If you notice your eyes feeling strained or more sensitive to light while wearing your sunglasses, it could be a sign that they are no longer providing adequate UV protection as well. If you're in love with the style of your sunglasses, replacing the lenses themselve can be an option. The safest and most effective way to replace your lenses is by visiting an optician who can select the right lenses for your sunglasses and fit them professionally, ensuring that the lenses are installed correctly and continue to protect your eyes. Some sunglasses come with removable lenses, making it easier to replace them at home. However, not all models allow for this, and some may require special tools. If your sunglasses have this feature, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. For people taking this as an opportunity to refresh the style of their sunglasses, experts warn that expensive and designer sunglasses aren't always best for their health. Specsavers claimed that shoppers need to be mindful of "certified UV protection" to keep their eyes safe from damage - and shared this guide of what to look for when picking your next set of shades.
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