August is a lazy month of sun and fun and with all the hours that people tend to spend outside this month, they should know how to best protect their eyes against the sun’s harmful rays. Here are a few tips and facts for protecting your eyes!

It’s been a hot summer so far and as we step into August, there is no sign of dropping temperatures. As always when thinking of summer, we think of the sun. In order to be best prepared for outdoor excursions, we need to remember that the sun has its vices and we need to protect ourselves and our eyes against its harmful rays.

Protecting our eyes against the sun is not something new. Back in prehistoric times, the Inuits wore flattened walrus ivory type "glasses" to block the sun’s rays, but the first documented lens that protected against the sun’s glare were discovered in China in the 12th century. But fast forward to the mid-18th century when James Ayscough actually tinted lenses for the first time; only to be produced on a big scale in 1929 by Sam Foster who brought mass-produced sunglasses to the beaches of America.

With all the health warnings that have been issued over the past few years, you should already be well-aware that aside from its Vitamin D benefits, the sun’s ultra violet rays are not only dangerous but can prove to be deadly when they work within your body to cause a wide variety of illnesses, the worst being cancer - including skin and eye cancers. It’s simple: Do not step outdoors without appropriate protections against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

The experts suggest wearing sunglasses that reflect or filter out 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers. Therefore, you should always try to buy sunglasses labeled as "UV400", which offer more protection than the standard protection sunglasses. Plus, they filter out 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB light, with wavelengths up to 400 nm, as opposed to the 95 percent protection offered by standard sunglasses.

Your sunglasses frames should fit close to your face, like glasses, yet not touching your eyes. This ensures that no light is able to peep through from any angle; while still providing your comfort and visual ease. The frame you choose should fit your lifestyle (for example, titanium for active personalities), as well as be wide enough to cover your whole eye area.

If you regularly wear eyeglasses, then you should invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses and then alternate your eye wear when you are inside and out. Don’t like the idea of switching? Consider photochromic lenses - also known as Transitions lenses - which lighten inside and darken outside, depending on UV exposure. This negates the need for separate prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. If you don’t wear prescription eyeglasses then a regular pair of sunglasses will work just fine.

You should also know that "the darker the lens the more protection it offers" is not the case here. The protection lies in the makeup of the lens; not the color. In fact, sometimes, lighter lenses can provide even stronger protection when manufactured correctly. On that note, also understand that expense does not equal quality or better protection. If it is affordability that you’re after, buy your glasses online in order to ensure that you are buying discount eyeglasses without skimping on quality and ensuring that even though affordable, you are receiving top quality eye protection.