Not all sunglasses block 100% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) or High Energy Visible (HEV) rays, and cheap sunglasses are essentially worthless - little more than colored plastic or glass. The same is true of the out-of control proliferation of fake, reproduction designer sunglasses. Rare vintage sunglasses have been specially targetted for fakes due to the often high prices they bring in the marketplace relative to new sunglasses. Like cheap drug store sunglasses, Asian fakes and reproductions use colored plastic or glass that has no optical value in protecting your eyes from harmful radiation.

Most authentic, quality sunglasses block a portion of HEV rays, but some color tints block more blue light than others. Unlike UV light, blue light is visible to us. Blue light waves are what makes the sky, or any object, appear blue. Blue light waves are also very short and scatter easily, so a great deal of the glare we experience from sunlight also comes from blue light. The color that blocks blue is yellow, so blue blockers must contain a yellow tint of some kind. Remember to wear sunglasses even when you're in the shade. Although shade reduces your UV and HEV exposure to some degree, your eyes still will be exposed to UV rays reflected from buildings, roadways, and other surfaces. Sunglasses are important especially in winter because fresh snow can reflect 80% of UV rays, nearly doubling your overall exposure to solar UV radiation. If you ski or snowboard, choosing the right ski sunglasses or goggles is essential for adequate UV protection on the slopes. Even if your contact lenses block UV rays, you still need sunglasses. UV-blocking contacts shield only the part of your eye under the lens, and harmful UV rays still can damage other eye tissues not covered by the lens. Wearing high quality sunglasses protects these delicate tissues and the skin around your eyes from UV damage. If you have dark skin and eyes, you still need to wear sunglasses. Although a darker skin may give you a lower risk of skin cancer from UV radiation, your risk of eye damage from UV and HEV rays is the same as that of someone with fair skin. You need not fear the outdoors and sunny days as long as you are equipped with the right eye and skin protection to reduce your UV exposure.

To protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation, high quality sunglasses should block 100% of UV rays and also absorb most HEV rays. Frames with a close-fitting wraparound style can provide the best protection because they limit how much stray sunlight reaches your eyes from above and beyond the periphery of your sunglass lenses. While many people refer to ultraviolet radiation as UV light, the term technically is incorrect because you cannot see UV rays. There are 3 categories of invisible high-energy UV rays. UVC rays are the highest-energy UV rays and potentially could be the most harmful to your eyes and skin. Fortunately, the atmosphere's ozone layer blocks virtually all UVC rays, but the depletion of the ozone layer could allow more harmful UVC rays to reach the earth's surface and cause serious UV-related health problems. UVB rays have slightly longer wavelengths and lower energy than UVC rays; while partially filtered by the ozone layer, some still reach the earth's surface. In low doses, UVB radiation stimulates the production of melanin (a skin pigment), causing the skin to darken and creating a sun tan. However, in higher doses, UVB rays cause sunburn that increase the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays also cause skin discolorations, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging of the skin. UVA rays are closer to visible light rays and have lower energy than UVB and UVC rays. However, UVA rays can pass through the cornea of the eye and reach the lens and retina inside the eye. Overexposure to UVA radiation has been linked to the development of certain types of cataracts, and research suggests UVA rays may play a role in development of macular degeneration. To protect your eyes outdoors, it is highly important to wear high quality sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk for eye problems from UV radiation. The risks of eye damage from UV and HEV exposure change from day to day and depend on a number of factors including the following:

Geographic Location: UV levels are greater in tropical areas near the earth's equator. The farther you are from the equator, the smaller your risk. Altitude: UV levels are greater at higher altitudes. Time Of Day: UV and HEV levels are greater when the sun is high in the sky, typically from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Setting: UV and HEV levels are greater in wide open spaces, especially when highly reflective surfaces are present like snow and sand. In fact, UV exposure can nearly double when UV rays are reflected from the snow. There is less risk of UV exposure in urban settings, where tall buildings shade the streets. Medications: Certain medications, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, can increase your body's sensitivity to UV and HEV radiation.

Surprisingly, cloud cover doesn't affect UV levels significantly, and your risk of UV exposure can be quite high even on hazy or overcast days. This is because UV is invisible radiation and not visible light, and it can easily penetrate clouds.

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