When we were in California, my sister got mad at me. We had just parked the car on Bodega Bay and were climbing out to hike across the bluff. “Where are your sunglasses?” she asked.
“I don’t wear any,” I replied. “I always lose them, and the light doesn’t bother my eyes.”
“Dude, you need to!” Lucy told me. She leaned back into the car and pulled out an extra pair.
I was already wearing a trench coat, and now wearing Lucy’s sunglasses, I looked like the scary guy from The Firm.
But, as we walked through wildflowers and heard seals bark, Lucy explained why sunglasses are so important: Sun exposure may be a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, which can blur your central vision. Our sweet grandpa had macular degeneration, and his eyesight got really bad in his seventies. He couldn’t read or even see our faces. “I have multiple pairs and keep them in my bag, my car and my kitchen,” she said.
(Not mad anymore)
When I got back home to Brooklyn, I shopped around for a couple pairs. Maybe everyone already knows this, but quality protective glasses should say “100 percent protection from UVA/UVB radiation” or “UV 400 protection.”
I ended up ordering two pairs — oversized (only $15!) and square — which seem to be doing the trick.
So, now I’m curious: What sunglasses do you wear? What’s cool these days? Any advice or tips? (Our marketing director Maureen says these Ray-Bans look good on everyone.)
P.S. 12 readers share their meaningful tattoos, and what pants do you wear to work?
(Top photo from Succession, which btw had the best finale of all time, didn’t you think? Omg I was so satisfied!)
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