Considered by many to be little more than fashion accessories, sunglasses actually are essential in protecting your eyes year round from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays.

“Sunglasses used to be more about looking stylish than about taking care of your vision, but not anymore,” says VSP network provider Stephen Cohen, O.D., of Scottsdale, Ariz.

“Today, there’s increasing evidence that ultraviolet rays in sunlight can significantly increase your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

“Because both conditions can threaten healthy vision, I recommend wearing sunglasses on sunny days year-round. Also, you’ll experience better night vision when you wear sunglasses on sunny days.”

What’s the best way to make sure your new shades provide maximum vision protection? Says Dr. Cohen: “When buying sunglasses, make sure they carry a consumer-protection label stating they’re 99 or 100 percent UV absorbent, or provide UV absorption up to 400 nanometers (nm).

“Once you’ve eliminated the threat from UV light, you can focus on other issues such as reducing glare and choosing a tint that will allow you to control the degree of brightness reaching your eyes.”

Here are tips for making sure your new sunglasses protect your vision:

• Larger lenses and wrap around sunglasses provide added UV protection.
• Polarized lenses are designed to block out sunlight glare that bounces off windshields, pavement and other smooth surfaces.
• Gray lenses are optimal because they don’t modify colors. Green and brown also are good choices.
• If you often wear corrective lenses outdoors, consider prescription sunglasses that protect against UV rays and glare and enhance your vision.
• To convert ordinary corrective eyeglasses to sunglasses, try clip-on tinted lenses or tinted lenses that attach magnetically to the frames of prescription glasses.
• Consider wearing photochromic glasses that darken automatically outdoors, then lighten again when you go back inside.

Once you’re sure your sunglasses will protect your eyes, select a style you enjoy most. “Walking on the beach in your new shades is lots of fun,” says Dr. Cohen. “You’ll enjoy it even more knowing you’re also taking good care of your eyes!”