Sunglasses for protection and fashion

People have lots of reasons for picking particular pair of sunglasses.

At the oceanfront WAVY.com spoke to shopper Nancy Long, who laughed when she told us, "I just got these cause my son said they're the only ones that ever looked cool."

Others look for name brands or character, but Dr. Amit Jeevan advises you look at your shades from a different angle. "They have to think about it like sun block," said Dr. Jeevan.

Dr. Jeevan, an optometrist at Virginia Beach Eye center, says over time the sun's invisible light could leave you in the dark.

"The very flat surface of the eye can get diseases where you can have growths on the corneas," Dr. Jeevan said.

So what should beach goers look for in a lense? Dr. Jeevan says at its UVA and UVB protection. Research shows you need at least 99 percent.

If you're in or on the water Dr. Jeevan recommends a polarized lens which blocks glare.

Polarized lenses do cost more, about $50 a pair at the doctors office, but you don't have to pay a lot for protection. We tested a pair of $10 dollar shades from a discount store with a u-v measurer and found they offered full coverage.

Experts say just make sure they fit your face with no light coming through the top or sides. That way you'll block bad rays but still look cool.

Related Link:  Virginia Beach Eye Center; vbeye.com/