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Choose the right sunglasses to protect from photokeratitis

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Choosing the right sunglasses to protect eyes from photokeratitis, as well as other eye conditions, is important in the summer months, the American Academy of Ophthalmology said in a press release.

Photokeratitis causes redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to bright light and possibly temporary vision loss.

To protect the eye from sun damage, sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation should be chosen, the AAO said. Oversized glasses also offer more coverage and protection.

“Think of sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes,” Dianna Seldomridge, MD, clinical spokesperson for the AAO, said in the release. “Your eyes need protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays just like your skin. Make sure your eyes are protected year-round. Harmful UV rays are present even on cloudy days.”

Most ophthalmologists’ offices or optical shops will have a UV light meter that can test the UV-blocking ability of sunglasses, and even cheap glasses can provide enough protection as more expensive options.