Sunglasses Prevent Skin Cancer

Memorial Day is this weekend, which for many means the beginning of summer fun. Time spent in the pool, on the beach, hiking, boating and even at backyard barbecues means exposure to the sun.

That exposure can have many negative effects on our skin, including the risk of skin cancer. One often-overlooked area of our skin that maintains a high risk of skin cancer is our eyelids. It may come as a surprise but up to 10% of all skin cancers occur on the eyelids, specifically the lower lid (skincancer.org). This is because the eyelid skin is incredibly delicate and often unprotected from the sun's harmful rays. 

Protecting the eyelid skin is easy - and stylish. While slathering on moisturizers with SPF 15 or higher helps protect the delicate eyelid skin, wearing sunglasses is the most effective way to keep eyelids safe from the sun. There are a few things to remember when selecting sunglasses, especially face shape. 

Here are a few guidelines from eyewear experts:

- Oval face: Square or cat eye frames

- Round face: rectangular frames

- Square face: rounder oval, cat eye frames

- Triangular or heart-shaped face: frames with a straight, flat top

Once you have determined the best style of frame for your face shape, you will then select the lens. Dr. A or Dr. Doan will help you determine the best lens for your needs during a comprehensive exam and sunglasses fitting. They will guide you through the process of selecting:

- A lens with adequate UV protection, blocking 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. 

- The best lens color for your needs. Gray lenses reduce brightness without distorting color, brown lenses creates greater color contrast, yellow lenses are best for both contrast and depth perception.

- A polarized lens if you spend time on water or driving - polarized lenses reduce the glare of reflected light on water.

- A frame that fits comfortably and securely on your face, ensuring that UV rays are properly blocked.

- A lens that shields the eyes and surrounding areas to protect the delicate eyelid skin as well as the eye. 

Protecting your eyes from the harm of UV rays is easy with sunglasses. Not only do sunglasses prevent damage to the eye but they can prevent skin cancer from developing on the eyelids. By determining the best sunglasses frames and lenses for your needs, eye2eye's staff can help you be protected from the sun's harmful rays all summer long. 

Have a safe and fun holiday weekend! 

Source: skincancer.org

Are Transitions Lenses for You?

Transitions lenses can be the perfect fit for someone who is looking for versatility in one pair of glasses. Transitions lenses are clear indoors and at night and darken with exposure to sunlight. They also provide full UVA, UVB protection when exposed to sunlight.

There are four types of Transitions lenses that are available, we will give you the high points of each lens to help you decide which one is right for your lifestyle.

Transitions VI:
- The original Transitions lens, these are the most balanced adaptive lenses that Transitions offers.
- The clear completely when indoors and at night.
- These lenses boast a fast fade back speed.
- Block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- They are designed to fit any prescription and any frame.
- They are suitable for any age, including children.
- Verdict: Perfect for normal, everyday wear and someone looking for a lens that fades quickly and provides protection when outdoors.

Transitions Xtra Active:
- These lenses help protect your eyes from harsh outdoor light and bright indoor light.
- They feature a comfortable hint of tint indoors to shield eyes from indoor light.
- These are the darkest Transitions lenses outdoors.
- Block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Xtra Active lenses activate completely even behind a windshield.
- Designed to work with most prescriptions and frames.
- Verdict: Great for someone who is exposed to bright light everyday at work or at home and wants a slight tint all the time.

Transitions Vantage:
- Thanks to breakthrough technology these lenses not only darken but polarize with exposure to changing light.
- Polarization adapts throughout the day to match the level of outdoor glare.
- Block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Designed to work with most prescriptions and frames.
- Verdict: The perfect lens for someone who spends a lot of their day outside and wants polarization.

Transitions Drivewear Sun Lenses:
- These lenses are great for those who spend a lot of time in the car.
- Using NuPolar polarization they remove glare off the road and the hood of the car.
- Adjust the color and tint of the lens as needed during driving.
- In low light or overcast conditions, the lenses are a green/yellow color that provide high contract and minimize glare.
- Behind the windshield the lenses activate to a copper color, enhancing color recognition and depth perception.
- In bright outdoor light, lenses activate to a dark red-brown to block excess light.
- Designed to fit most prescriptions and frames.
- Verdict: The ideal lens for someone who drives a lot and needs protection from the sun and changing conditions.

If you are considering making the switch to Transitions lenses, schedule an appointment at eye2eye and our team will help you decide which lenses are right for your lifestyle!