Sunglasses aren’t merely a fashion statement—in fact, a good pair of shades can mean the difference between healthy and unhealthy eyes. While most people know that sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, many don’t realize the extent to which they prevent ocular injury and illness. Quality sunglasses will combat everything from cataracts and glaucoma to macular degeneration and photokeratisis (snow blindness). Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a new pair:

UV protection
The number one thing to look for in a pair of sunglasses is adequate UV protection. Many people don’t know that UV pertains to two types of light rays: UVA (the more prevalent and deeply penetrating) and UVB (the more intense and harmful to the skin). Read more