Fact: Sunglasses Offer Protection from Macular Degeneration

Most consumers think sunglasses are must-have accessories, pairing them with the latest styles and fashions. However, sunglasses offer many medical and health benefits to people suffering from macular degeneration.
Macular degeneration is defined as a medical condition that typically affects older people. It is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness in adults over the age of 50.

• Protection – Helping protect eyes against damaging UVA and UVB rays, people suffering from macular degeneration should invest in sunglasses that offer UV 400 or 100-percent UV protection. Tight fitting or wraparound styles, such as X-Loop sunglasses, help protect the eyes, preventing light from entering the top or sides.
• Visibility – A common misconception is that the darker the sunglasses' tint, the more protection the sunglasses offer. This is not true, as darker can actually mean decreased visibility, which is especially concerning for people suffering from macular degeneration. Dark lenses can actually make it more difficult to navigate areas, blurring details and compromising visibility.
• Glare – People who suffer from macular degeneration often experience sensitivity to sunlight glare. This can also occur in shaded areas, as sun can reflect off the water, a car hood or even the road. Polarized lenses utilize a special filter that reduces glare, which is especially helpful when driving. A reduction in glare helps increase visibility and clarity and also offers the added benefit of less eye fatigue and strain.
• Clarity – Macular degeneration is responsible for a reduction in vision detail, which is why it's especially important that suffers purchase high-quality sunglasses that help increase clarity instead of blurring vision.
• Enhanced Contrast – Some tinted sunglasses help provide better visual contrast. For example, people suffering from macular degeneration may experience heightened visual clarity with yellow or orange lenses, as these help enhance depth perception and contrast. Blue blocker lenses should be avoided, as this can lead to difficulty distinguishing traffic lights, etc. While blue blocker sunglasses are excellent for other outdoor activities, it's best to avoid using them for driving.

The most damaging sunrays are generally from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., which is why it's critical that people wear sunglasses regularly, even during the winter months. There are several types of people that benefit from wearing sunglasses, including: those who take photosensitizing drugs, outdoor enthusiasts, people who work outdoors, those with light-colored eyes and people who work in environments that consist primarily of fluorescent lights.
Olympic Eyewear offers a wide assortment of wholesale sunglasses. Their affordable sunglasses include a variety of styles and designers, which is excellent for retailers looking to purchase high-quality sunglasses at deeply discounted prices.