Hats and Sunglasses

Hats

Hats should ideally have at least a 3" brim all the way around. Baseball caps or visors offer limited protection to the neck and ears. However, a baseball cap brim will shelter the eyes from about 50% of the sun's rays.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are manufactured in accordance with ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards and fall within the following 3 categories:

1. Cosmetic use: blocks at least 70% UVB, 60% UVA
   General use: blocks 95% UVB, 60% UVA
   Special Purpose Intense Sunlight: blocks 99% UVB, 98% UVA
   
2. For tropical use, try to find sunglasses rated "Special Purpose Intense Sunlight." Sunglasses should fit tightly to block UVR from the sides and have lenses large enough to cover the entire eye area, including eye lids.
   
3. Color is irrelevant in terms of UV ratings (UV coating is clear, and doesn't affect the color of the sunglasses).
   

Polarized sunglasses cut down glare, but don't block UV rays. Always look for the ANSI rating - even on polarized sunglasses.

At present, UV absorbing contact lenses do not have enough UV protection.