Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement for the eyes. They are an eyewear necessity. Just as the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin, UV rays are a detriment to the eyes, too. Even contact lenses wearers need UV protection. A host of eye diseases are attributable to overexposure: conjunctivitis, macular degeneration, cataracts and mini bumps on the whites of the eyes (pterygia). 

Ophthalmologists advise that patients wear eye protection with the following features:

■ 100 percent UV protection

■ Sunglass lenses that shroud the forehead 

■ Shades which cover the cheeks and the temple region

■ The colorblind should opt for gray hued shades (specifically for driving)

■ During sports or other physically demanding activities, shatter-proof eyewear with with dark-colored lenses or goggles offers the best protection. 

Read other articles and resources about the eyes: 

■ UV exposure safety