By Dr. Joshua Mali
- Why is sunlight/glare so uncomfortable/damaging overall?
– UV light exposure in high levels can cause damage to the eye from front (cornea/lens) to back (retina).
- Why are anti-glare sunglasses important?
– Sunglasses with UV light protection or polarization help to block out the damaging effects of sunlight on our eyes.
- Why are night glasses important?
– Anti-reflective coating on glasses are very important, especially with night glasses. This coating helps to reduce glare which can be a critical factor with driving at night with oncoming headlights shining all around the driver.
- What are some things people should look for in anti-glare sunglasses?
– The key thing is to make sure that it is truly anti-reflective coating (AR). This is important to distinguish it from just UV light protection or polarization which blocks out UV light wavelengths.
- What some things people should look for in night vision glasses?
– Night vision glasses should have anti-reflective coating which is a key feature. Other things include high definition lenses which may help with optimal viewing at night.
- Any additional recommendations on different types of glasses depending on face shapes or personality styles?
– I recommend people have a complete eye examination in addition to proper eyeglass fitting session to achieve the best fit from a clinical standpoint (good fit on face, proper prescription, etc.) and style perspective (brand, design, etc.).
Joshua Mali, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and award-winning vitreoretinal surgeon at The Eye Associates, a private multi-specialty ophthalmology practice in Sarasota, Florida. He is the Retina Medical Director of the Macular Degeneration Association (MDA).
1 Comment
Thank you for the helpful recommendations on eyeglasses. Are blue light glasses necessary for screen time? Should screen time be Limited and how so? Is it Ok not to wear sunglasses all the time if it’s not sunny out as it’s harder to see with them on during lower light days. Also can dark sunglasses impair melatonin production or disrupt circadian rhythm? Thank you.very much.