Choosing the right sunglasses

While many sunglasses sold in mall kiosks are labelled as blocking UV light, some do not provide the protection claimed. Many clothing boutiques sell shades that have no UV protection at all and serve only as a fashion statement.

The wide variety of fashion sunglasses available from London Drugs have full spectrum protection against UVA and UVB light. They should be worn whenever the day is bright and/or sunny to protect the lens and retina from damage. (It is a good idea to keep a spare pair of sunglasses in your car in the event you are in a hurry and have left your glasses in your house or office.)

You can also find clip-ons and sunglasses designed to fit over your prescription glasses.

A UV test for your sunglasses

If you already own sunglasses and you want to know if they provide UV protection, you will be interested in the London Drugs UV Intensity Meter and Lens Tester. This card is part of the sun care package given to customers who participate in any of our Sun Awareness Clinics. (You can find out when the 2009 clinics are being held,by visiting our website: www.londondrugs.com, or asking at the London Drugs cosmetics counter.)

Assessing your personal risk

Although everyone it at risk for damage to the eyes from UV light, some people are at additional risk. They include:

• people taking certain medications such as birth control pills and antibiotics;
• children and seniors;
• contact lens wearers;
• outdoor enthusiasts;
• refractive/cataract surgery parents;
• people who regularly experience high glare conditions such as when commuting on bright, sunny days.