5 Reasons to Wear Quality Sunglasses All Year Long

You can’t live in Texas without a good pair of sunglasses — but what defines “good”? Although price can be a quality indicator, it’s not the only one. 

Dr. Sophia Barnes at Vision Corner in Houston is happy to give you her expert analysis of sunglasses and why cheap ones can’t compete with quality lenses. Here are five reasons to invest in quality sunglasses you can wear all year.

What makes quality sunglasses different?

Here’s what to look for in a good pair of sunglasses:

• 100% UV protection
• Polarized lenses
• Optical-grade materials, such as high-index plastic 
• Full eye coverage

Vision Corner offers a wide range of brands and styles, including prescription sunglasses, and Dr. Barnes can help you choose the best pair for your eye health and lifestyle. 

What makes high-quality sunglasses better?

Your sight is precious, and you wouldn’t do anything to harm it intentionally, but if you’re skimping on your sunglasses, you might be doing more harm than good. Here are Dr. Barnes’ top reasons for investing in the highest-quality sunglasses you can afford. 

1. Protection against harmful UV rays

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are present all year, whether it's a sunny day in Houston or a snowy winter in your favorite vacation spot. Overexposure to these rays can lead to serious eye conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. 

Quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection can block out these harmful rays, keeping your eyes safe in any weather. Drugstore sunglasses typically don’t offer 100% UV protection, and most aren’t polarized.

2. Reduced risk of eye diseases

If you’re balking at the cost of high-quality sunglasses, consider the cost to your eye health. Walking around with inferior eyewear can lead to eye diseases, such as:

• Cataracts: clouded lenses that may require surgical removal
• Photokeratitis (snow blindness): Blurry vision and pain from reflected sunlight
• Pterygium (surfer’s eye): eye-white growths from sun reflection off of snow or water
• Pinguecula: noncancerous growths caused by dust, irritation, and sun damage
• Macular degeneration: a leading cause of blindness
• Ocular melanoma: eye cancer

Wearing top-quality sunglasses regularly, even on cloudy days, protects your eyes and helps you prevent some of these problems. 

3. Clear vision during outdoor activities

Whether hiking, skiing, or simply strolling around town, the sun’s glare makes it tough to see clearly. Quality sunglasses with polarized lenses reduce glare. 

While reduced glare may seem like a nice but unnecessary feature, think about driving your car into the setting sun that’s so bright you can’t see the pedestrian who just stepped off the curb. Quality sunglasses not only make outdoor activities more enjoyable; they also improve your vision.

4. Comfort and reduced eye strain

Squinting in bright sunlight can cause headaches and eye strain. By wearing high-quality sunglasses, you can enjoy your time outdoors without discomfort while also preventing the formation of wrinkles around your eyes caused by squinting.

5. Style that suits you

Quality sunglasses come in various styles and shapes, and we can help you find a pair that complements your face while offering excellent eye protection. Instead of opting for cheap one-size-fits-all drugstore sunglasses, visit our online store to see our full collection of high-quality and prescription sunglasses. 

Investing in a pair of good sunglasses is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your eyes. Contact Vision Corner in Houston, Texas, to schedule an appointment.