If you’re like most active Americans, you probably remember to slather on sunscreen before you leave the house, provided it’s especially sunny outside. But isn’t your vision just as important as your skin? We certainly think so.

After all, the sun contains harmful UV rays that can cause serious, permanent damage to your eyesight. If you spend time outdoors without proper eye protection, you could easily suffer from photokeratitis (burnt cornea), pingueculae (a non-cancerous growth on the cornea), cataracts, or macular degeneration.

UV protectionDo your eyes an enormous favor: Protect them with a pair of recreational sunglasses that offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. It’s an incredibly wise investment that’ll give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Understanding UVA, UVB and UVC Rays

Ultraviolet rays are found just beyond the violet section of the visible light spectrum. UV light is composed of three distinct types: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA is noted for longer wavelengths and the ability to pass through glass with ease. UVB rays don't travel through glass like UVA, but they are more dangerous to the human eye.

While UVA rays can harm our eyes, UVB rays are the primary reason to wear sunglasses when enjoying the outdoors. (UVC rays never reach the earth, as the atmosphere blocks them.)

You’ve probably heard that UV light is capable of shining directly through even the thickest of clouds. This means that our eyes and skin will still be exposed to UVA and UVB rays, even during overcast and gloomy days. (The sun's rays, by the way, are especially strong between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.)

Even if you aren't in direct sunlight, in other words, sun glare and reflected light can cause big trouble — permanent trouble. In fact, our eyes are even sensitive to the sun that reflects off snow, water and sand. Believe it or not, the same is true of light that glares off a vehicle’s windshield.

Protecting Your Eyes from UV Rays

The best way to protect your eyes form UV rays is to wear sunglasses. But take care to choose a pair that will protect your entire eye. Unlike contact lenses with UV protection, properly designed sport sunglasses will protect the full eye surface.

UV protectionAlso, look for a pair of sunglasses that protects from all UVA and UVB rays; they should be rated UV 400 or better. A UV 400 rating means that all light rays will be blocked as long as their wavelengths are 400 nanometers or less. This level of protection succeeds in blocking out all UVA and UVB rays.

While infrared rays exist and also hit the human body, they are not dangerous to the eyes. These rays are situated just beyond the red section of the visible light spectrum. This type of ray creates heat, but most experts are fairly confident in the belief that this exposure is harmless to our eyes.

Enjoy the Outdoors While Preserving Your Eye Health

Anyone who spends a fair amount of time outdoors should understand the risks that UVA and UVB rays pose to the eyes. It isn’t debatable: UV rays can cause permanent, irreversible damage. It's simply not worth the risk to spend a considerable amount of time outdoors without eye protection.

Aside from offering protection against ultraviolet rays, the right pair of recreation sunglasses will also provide an added layer of physical protection. In a contact sport like basketball, proper eyewear can block the errant elbow, or the fingertip that grazes against the eye. That’s why Liberty Sport sunglasses are built with special materials that won't shatter when struck.

Liberty Sport's Sun Performance Sunglasses

Those of us here at Liberty Sport are incredibly proud of our Sun Performance line of protective sunglasses, all of which are engineered for active people who enjoy the outdoors. We build our glasses to protect your vision and give you a clear view of your surroundings.

All our purpose-built sport sunglasses offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection, and are built with high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of Mother Nature. We have glasses designed for motorcyclists, golfers, winter adventurers and cyclists. We also have distinctly stylish and feminine glasses available in our women's line.

Our Sun Performance line was built with the challenges of outdoor adventurers in mind. Our glasses will last for years, and the specs’ innovative sun technology will keep your eyes safe. All Liberty Sports Sun Performance sunglasses are lightweight, comfortable, and can even handle prescription lenses.

These functional yet uniquely stylish sunglasses are ideal for adventurers and other sports enthusiasts who understand the importance of preserving their eyesight, but who never want to lessen the endless thrill of outdoor activity.

Click here to shop our Sun Performance line.