June brings with it, not only the first day of summer, but also National Sunglasses Day (6/27). In keeping with these two annual milestones, let's chat about the importance of wearing sunglasses! Many people simply think of sunglasses as a summertime fashion accessory but don't stop to consider the benefits of wearing the proper sunglasses or the dangers associated with leaving your eyes unprotected.

As you look for the perfect pair of shades, it's important to remember that all sunglasses are not created with the same technology or ultraviolet protection. The sun's rays, when unfiltered, can be quite harmful to the human eye. Thus, it is important to consider the percentage of damaging radiation that the sunglasses block. Ideally, you're looking for a lens that will block 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. This goes hand in hand with the next point to consider: coverage.

You want to be sure you are selecting sunglasses that offer plenty of eye and facial coverage, fitting your face shape or specific activity for which they will be used. Proper coverage, along with a UV-filtering lens, can reduce the chances of skin cancer developing near the eyes. Those with light-colored eyes are even more susceptible.

We've all seen them: impulse-buy-sunglasses at the checkout counter. While these may seem like a quick solution to protect your eyes in a pinch, they could actually be doing you more harm than good. These sunglasses likely do not have proper UV-filtration technology, are often not polarized, and are certainly not fitted to you by an optical professional to determine coverage.

Summer is here, and we at Optique Family Vision Care want to make sure you have the proper eyewear to keep your eyes safe while you have fun in the sun — and look great doing it! Schedule an appointment with us today at our Springfield office.