It's National Sunglasses Day

Eye care professionals urge use of sunglasses all year long to take the best care of your eyes

By ALANA PERSSON, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — The bright summer months in New Hampshire always call for sunscreen, sun hats and sunglasses. Yet, this trifecta of sun protection is not all that's necessary between the months of May through September, as the sun can still produce damaging effects all year long.

Even when covered up in a snowsuit in the middle of the winter, the sun can still be damaging one of the most vital parts of the body - the eye. Recognizing the harmful impact the sun can have on the eye, Laconia Eye and Laser Center urges people to wear sunglasses outdoors throughout the entire year, not just during the sunny summer months.

“People don’t always realize that over the years exposure to the sun can contribute to cataracts, abnormal growths, macular degeneration, and many other harmful conditions,” said Brenda Duggan, refractive and marketing coordinator. “They think: ‘I’m not at the beach, so I don’t have to wear sunglasses,’ but that’s not the case.”

While sun damage is often believed to a result of direct exposure to the sun, Duggan said that some of the most harmful damage is a result of glare off of the water on the lakes or snow while skiing on the mountains. The best way to eliminate this blinding glare is through the use of polarized lenses, according to Robert Collins, ABO Certified Optician. Additionally, Collins suggests that people choose lenses that block ultraviolet rays, in order to maximize protection.

Finding sunglasses that provide protection and meet the individuals optical has become easier, according to Collins, as there are many options available to meet each person’s needs. People with prescription glasses can choose to purchase prescription sunglasses or transition glasses, which have lenses that darken due to sun exposure. Additional options include contact lenses, wrap around sunglass frames, or corrective lasik procedures.

“We have sunglasses that can meet each person's individual style and price point," said Collins. "It's just a matter of finding the perfect fit." He went on to state that there are also sunglasses available that are made especially for golfers, motorcyclists, skiiers or fishermen.

The Laconia Eye and Laser Center recently promoted eye protection during their National Sunglasses Day open house on Tuesday, June 27, at their office at 368 Hounsell Avenue.