Certain color lenses may protect eye health

June 17, 2010

A professor at the University of Houston has suggested that gray lenses on sunglasses allow for more natural color to be seen and also reduce light intensity, TopNews.in reports.

The professor, Dr Jan Bergmanson, also recommends brown lenses for athletes and those who are visually impaired, since those lenses allow for contrast.

He added that the color and density of the lens may not protect eyes from sun damage, and how dark the lens is may not have an impact, either.

"Exposure to ultraviolet ray radiation, which is cumulative over time and puts one at greater risk for developing eye and vision disorders, can be minimized," he said in a statement.

Dr Bergmanson, as well as the American Optometric Association, agree that sunglasses should protect our eyes from both UV-A and UV-B rays.

According to the American National Standards Institute, there are two different standards set for sunglasses. Class 1 sunglasses should have lenses that absorb 99 percent of UV rays, while Class 2 should filter at least 95 percent of UV rays.