Sunglasses are one of the most fun accessories for fashionable folks. Whether you're in a stylish pair of aviators or you prefer a fun print on your frames, fashion designers have stepped up their game more than ever in recent years by extending their designs into beautiful eyewear. But those sunglasses you're wearing are more than just an accessory. They can protect your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays similar to the way that sunscreen protects your skin. While only half of Americans who purchase sunglasses actually check the UV rating, we think it's important to keep in mind the UVA and UVB rays that can damage your eyes when picking the perfect pair!

Without sunglasses, the sun can have very negative effects on our eyes. For example, 20% of cataracts are caused by extended UV exposure. Also, the sun's ultraviolet rays can damage our retinas, which destroys central vision and leads to macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is one of the top causes of blindness in the United States. Finally, UV exposure can cause tissue growth over the white part of the surface of the eye, called the pterygium. This tissue growth can then change the curve of the surface of your eyeball, causing astigmatism.

Keeping eye health in mind doesn't mean being stuck with a pair of sunglasses that are any less stylish. The Allied Eye Optical Shop is fully stocked with numerous pairs of frames from top designers. Jamie loves to help consult with patients on picking the right pair for their personal style and eye health. Many of these frames can even be fitted with prescription lenses.

We'd be happy to provide you with any information about what makes a super pair of sunglasses. To speak to the Allied Eye Optical Shop, or to receive more information about corrective eye surgery or an eye appointment, please call or text our offices at (423) 855-8522.