Is there any difference in UV protection between expensive brands of sunglasses and the cheaper brands? Which do you recommend to your patients?
—Felix N. Chien, DO, Newport Beach, Calif.
In fact, excellent UV protection does not add much to the cost of sunglasses. Economical sunglasses may block UV light as well as expensive brands. The production costs are due rather to the optical quality and clarity of the lens. When patients ask about sunglasses, I repeat the recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, namely that there be UV block, 80% absorption, and the color be neutral, such as gray-green or brown.
—B. David Gorman, MD (125-4)
