The article's main points are how ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can burn (scary!) the corneas and conjunctivas of your eyes, causing all manner of issues, including cataracts. And, though there are some basic guidelines set by the "American National Standards Institute," the FDA doesn't regulate sunglasses, so you're kind of on your own with this purchase and need to be informed.
Among the sunglass-buying suggestions:
1. Don't purchase a pair of sunglasses without a specific UV claim/label, whether they are fancy designer or not.
2. This label should reveal the amount of protection you're getting—what you're looking for is 95% UV reduction, but you can also take something called "UV-400" and “UV absorption up to 400nm,” which according to this story, is basically the same thing (eye wear may also be labeled "cosmetic," which means the lenses will block out just 70% of sun frying).
3. These guidelines have absolutely nothing to do with the price or label. Many drugstore brands, though probably not as stylish as you'd want, offer the highest level of protection. Conversely, many of the most luxury lines, offer zilch.
To read the entire Beauty Brains piece, go here.
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