Don't Forget to Buy Some Sunglasses Before Your Outer Banks Vacation:

Here's some great advice on buying "Cheap Sunglasses" from Dr. D a Bridgeton NJ Optometrist wrote a great myth-busting article, Go get yourself some (cheap) sunglasses, on why even cheap sunglasses are important, especially on vacation:

When you wake up in the morning and the light is hurt your head
The first thing you do when you get up out of bed
Is hit that streets a-runnin’ and try to beat the masses
And go get yourself some cheap sunglasses.....

ZZ Top knows what’s up. And thankfully, it is pretty easy to find a pair of sunglasses that looks good and protects your eyes — no matter what your budget is. To help make the experience of buying a pair of sunglasses a little less confusing, here’s the truth about some of the most common myths about sunglasses:

Myth #1: Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are expensive

False: You do not have to pay a premium for proper UV protection. While more expensive sunglasses may offer more stylish frames, higher quality lenses, sharper images and less glare, it is very easy to find inexpensive glasses that offer 100% UV protection.

Myth #2: Lenses with darker tints are more protective than lenses with a lighter tint

False: The tint of the lens has nothing to do with the UV protection of the glasses. A clear lens with no tint and 100% UV protection is better for your eyes than dark, heavily tinted sunglasses without UV protection. In fact, dark lenses without adequate UV protection are actually worse for your eyes than not wearing glasses at all, because the dark tint causes your pupils to become dilated, thus exposing your eyes to more harmful UV light.

Myth #3: Photochromic lenses don’t block out UV rays as well as regular sunglasses

False: As long as they offer 100% UV protection, photochromic (such as Transitions-brand lenses) lenses provide the same level of UV protection as regular sunglasses.

Myth #4: Polarized, anti-glare lenses are all you need to protect your eyes from UV rays

False: While polarized and anti-glare lenses may offer better image clarity, a more comfortable viewing experience and give you better vision when driving or playing sports, they have nothing to do with UV protection.

Sidenote: I happen to 100% prefer polarized sunglasses to non-polarized.

Myth #5: Lens color is important when it comes to blocking UV rays

False: Just like lens tint, lens color has nothing to do with protecting your eyes from UV rays.

Myth #6: Yellow- or amber-tinted “Blue Blocker” lenses offer more protection than regular sunglasses

False: While some experts argue that the so-called “Blue Blocker” lenses block additional light waves that are harmful, research has yet to prove this for certain, and “Blue Blockers” are currently viewed by most experts as a personal preference choice.

Myth #7: Children don’t need sunglasses as much as adults

False: Children often spend even more time in the sun than adults, and need proper UV protection just as much. It is also far more common to find cheap children’s sunglasses that do not provide adequate UV protection. Always have your children’s sunglasses tested for proper UV protection.

Myth #8: You don’t need sunglasses on a cloudy day

False: UV rays are just as potent on a cloudy day as they are on a clear day, and proper eye and skin protection is always needed.

Now, go out and get yourself some big black frames 

With the glass so dark, they won’t even know your name 

And the choice is up to you ’cause they come in two classes 

Rhinestone shades or cheap sunglasses