one of every three sunglasses does not exceed sanitary controls 2

-the President of the Council General of schools of Ópticos-Optometristas, Juan Carlos Martínez morale, warns that bring not homologated sunglasses may be more harmful than not wearing any protection for the eyes ”

-the use of lenses not homologated not protected properly, causing a greater amount of harmful radiation to reach the eye

Madrid, April 2012.- with the arrival of good weather and the holiday days outdoor activities multiply. The Spaniards are Europeans more hours spent in outdoor spaces, but very few know the harmful impact of ultraviolet radiation in the eyes or risks that are exposed to use sunglasses not homologated.

Thus, high exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), especially in the coastal and mountain areas, increases the risk of severe eye disorders such as acute inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) and the cornea (keratitis), emergence of degenerative processes of the ocular surface (Pinguecula and pterygium) fallsretinopathy and, even, skin lesions, which can cause serious eye health problems in the long term.

all sunglasses are valid?

According to data of the General Council of Ópticos-Optometristas schools, one of every three sunglasses sold in Spain does not exceed the necessary health checks. To use sunglasses not approved, do not adequately protect our eyes ”, says Juan Carlos Martínez morale, President of the General Council. The problem is that this does that, if the glasses do not offer adequate protection, harmful radiation entering even more inside the eye, which is more damaging to not carry any protection ”, concludes.

Disorders such as keratoconjunctivitis, keratitis or premature cataracts can be caused by the use of sunglasses bought in markets and other non-authorized sales channels.

The acquisition of sunglasses in a health establishment of Optics is a guarantee that the lenses meet all safety and quality parameters ”, recalled Juan Carlos Martínez morality. In addition, the advice of a professional vision óptico-optometrista also guarantees sunglasses provide protection customized depending on our needs, leisure or lifestyle and everyday activities.

Discover everything you sunglasses can do for you

Sunglasses accredited and quality, that they are not necessarily the most expensive, they are essential for:

1. Protection against ultraviolet radiation, which reduces the risk of developing cataracts and other severe injuries.

2. Protection from blue light. Long term exposure to visible light has been identified as a risk factor for suffering from macular degeneration.

3. Greater visual comfort. The intensity of the ambient light and the glare is minimized with the use of sunglasses. So we see more clearly and avoid frown and close your eyes.

4. Faster adaptation to darkness. To spend some time under the direct light of the Sun, is may hinder the ability of the eyes to quickly adapt to low levels of lighting (indoors or at night). The use of sunglasses helps us to adapt ourselves to the changes of light more quickly.

5 Safe driving, as the use of Sun glasses avoid glare caused by the reflections of the road or the bright light of the Sun.

6. Better protection against impacts during sports practice. Glasses designed to make sport offer greater security, because both the frames and lenses are made of materials resistant to impacts.

7 Effect screen to avoid eye contact with environmental pollen and dust.

8. Reduction of ocular dryness. Sunglasses protect the air and wind that can cause eye dryness.

9. Spare sunglasses. If you use glasses normally, prescription sunglasses can serve you spare.

10. Fashion accessory. The sunglasses are also a supplement that you can combine with your wardrobe or activity.

Choose the most suitable glasses

In these days of high luminosity and the moments where there is sudden changes in light, the sunglasses are essential. For lead, the best sunglasses are which has polarized lenses reduce glare and provide vision in bright days.

When purchasing sunglasses, the key is to always seek accredited glasses with a sunscreen suitable for the use that they are going to give. Lenses must be of glass or organic, never plastic. To make sure that the UV protection indicated is correct, should go to an establishment authorized which can count on the advice of a óptico-optometrista.

Attention to labels

European legislation considers the sunglasses as PPE (personal protective equipment) and subject them to a regulation laying down the requirements of quality which have to meet in order to obtain the CE mark.

This Regulation (in 1836: 2006) sets out five categories, ranging from 0 to 4 depending on the level of protection of your solar filter. For average use, including the daytime driving, categories 2 and 3 are the most appropriate. Category 4 is adapted to extreme uses, for instance in snow-covered landscapes or watersports, and is not suitable for driving, not even day. addition of the category of sunscreen should also be set on the label of the glasses, which should include the manufacturer or supplier and possible warnings.