Any wholesale sunglass distributor is in the business of selling sunglasses, with virtually no obligation to the public to ensure the level of ultraviolet radiation their sunglasses are designed for absorbing. The simple truth is that some shades offer almost no UV protection because they are intended to be fashionable, possibly even worn indoors, rather than protective. The amount and performance of the UV absorption offered by most sunglasses is, largely, based on the composition of the lenses. The distributor is, however, in charge of indicating the level of UV protection in their product.
Since the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) compiled a UV index, measuring the level of ultraviolet rays in the atmosphere, the public has become more knowledgeable about their dangers, especially for the skin. Fewer people seem to know just as much about the dangers of these rays to the eyes, as well as the surrounding skin.
There are three types of ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun, though little known UVC isn't able to get through our atmosphere. Better known are UVA and UVB rays. Without getting very technical, both are capable of doing substantial harm to the eyes, though each is harmful in different ways. What we know is the fact that direct exposure damages the cornea, the pupils, the retina, and may even be responsible for the formation of cataracts, and skin cancer of the eyelids. Even though the sun's rays are usually less harmful on cloudy days, this isn't always true. In many metro areas, the UV radiation level can be found on the weather reports in daily newspapers. This information is made available online.
The amount of radiation that gets through the atmosphere varies dependent upon proximity to the Equator, altitude, time of day, the elements, and other factors in the environment, like water, snow, etc. Additionally, some medications can make people more sensitive to radiation.
A few lens materials are designed to absorb 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Others require some kind of coating in order to provide that function. The color of the lenses has virtually nothing to do with the level of protection any pair of glasses offers. In fact, clear lenses can be 100% UV absorbent, while dark mirrored glasses may offer no protection whatsoever.
Generally, the cheaper sunglasses are to get, the less reliable they are in protecting your eyes. Cheap shades with labels claiming 100% UV protection are in all likelihood, truly 100% UV absorbing, while they are manufactured. However, the danger from these comes in the types of materials the lens is made from. Many cheap lenses offer no more than a thin UV reflective coating applied on inexpensive plastic. If dropped, or handled thoughtlessly, the coating can chip or crack, leading to distortion in vision, and allowing all UV rays to penetrate the lenses.
Most eye doctors suggest that children ought to wear sun protective glasses on any day that a parent would wear them. In fact, their eyes are usually more sensitive to sun damage than adult eyes, and they do tend to stay outside in the sunshine more than most adults.
When searching for really good sunglasses, no matter what price, it is best to look for polycarbonate or Trivex lenses. These block 100% of Ultraviolet rays without any protective coating, so even dropping them won't lessen their protection. For the children, polycarbonate lenses are advised, because they are break resistant throughout their rough and tumble play times. Avid sports people usually prefer polarized lenses because they lessen glare; but these must be coated for you to offer the 100% solar ray deflection needed.
Nowadays there are contact lens manufacturers claiming 100% UV protection. Although this is possible, those wearers should still wear shades to protect the area surrounding the eyeball, and the eyelids. The truth is, for everyone, it is far better wear glasses with larger lenses to cover as much of the eye area as possible. Wrap around lenses are considered best of all.
For retailers stocking their shelves, it is very important offer the public many styles. You should rely on a distributor of wholesale fashion sunglasses to be very informed about the amount of protection and lens composition of the glasses they carry and sell to you.
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More Information:
If you are searching for sunglasses with UV protection, Internet marketing strategist S. Daniels recommends Pacific Link, a manufacturer and distributor of the most protective, high-quality sunglasses on the market. They have a variety of
wholesale fashion sunglasses and other quality products available to retailers nationwide.
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