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FOR THE SUN CHRONCILE

It seems that celebrities, with their exagger ated fashion statements, have actually made one that is beneficial to your health. We've all seen the oversized sunglasses that adorn the faces of Hollywood's fashion icons, and whether or not one finds them fashionable, this style provides some of the best protection.

Because of their wraparound lenses, which help block sunlight from both the sides and the top, there is less damage to the eyes from ultraviolet, or UV, rays.

`` Anything that seals you in more from light is an advantage,'' said Daniel Sullivan, an optician from Attleboro. `` Wrap styles are very nice. The greater seal you can create the better.''

However, this doesn't mean people need to start paying celebrity prices for a nice pair of shades as the bright summer days begin. Sullivan would rather have people wearing `` something than nothing.''

So, how do you choose a pair of good sunglasses?

Both Sullivan and Attleboro optometrist Anna Ison-Chatfield emphasized that the bare minimum people should have is a pair with a sticker or tag stating the sunglasses block out 99 percent to 100 percent of UV rays.

Some pairs also have a sticker saying `` UV 400'' which refers to the protection from 400 nanometers of UV light.

`` If it doesn't have those stickers, or one of them, don't buy them,'' said Ison-Chatfield.

A common mistake that people make, said Ison-Chatfield, is thinking that the darker the lens the more protection they are receiving. If the lens does not have UV protection, it can actually cause more damage because the pupil is adjusting and opening to the darker lens, therefore allowing more light in without protection from UV rays.

Ultraviolet rays are `` a type of light emitted by the sun that can cause harm to the body with overexposure,'' said Ison-Chatfield.

Overexposure can cause serious damage throughout the years resulting in cataracts, a cloudy lens in the eye, but it can also cause other problems like photokeratitis, or a sunburn on the eyes.

To exceed the bare minimum, people need to look at what their sunglasses will be used for and how often they will be used. Different lenses are available for different needs.

Polarized lenses decrease glare when driving or when around water or snow. `` Polarized lenses are absolutely recommended,'' said Ison-Chatfield. `` There's a huge decrease in glare and there's such a difference in visual quality.''

Mirrored lenses, which also reduce some glare, come in styles that allow people to see your eyes or not see them at all while photochromic lenses adjust to the amount of light by darkening in light areas and lightening in dark areas. Although these are not necessary features, said Ison-Chatfield, it is all about personal preference and choosing a pair that you will like and will wear.

When it comes to choosing a color lens, the more common colors are neutral gray and brown. While gray doesn't distort the color spectrum, said Sullivan, brown lenses, which have been his best seller, can be more comfortable on the eyes. Other color lenses that are more fashion oriented are a matter of personal preference.

The main difference between sunglasses purchased at a convenience store and ones bought at an upscale boutique is the lens quality, Sullivan and Ison-Chatfield said.

`` With less expensive sunglasses that are over the counter, those are going to give UV protection,'' said Sullivan. `` The problem with most of those are the optics.''

Lower quality lenses may cause eyes to strain therefore resulting in eye fatigue. Higher quality lenses can reduce the strain and create a clearer and crisper vision.

Higher quality may mean higher prices but people can spend about $100 and get a pair of very nice sunglasses, said Sullivan.

Regardless of the number of possibilities people can choose from, Ison-Chatfield emphasized that people, even children, should be wearing sunglasses at all times.

`` UV light is present all the time,'' she said. `` So even (wearing them) year round is good. We think of it as a summer thing.''

No matter what style you choose, just don't leave home without them.