Suitable shades: a must for sunny days: they're more than a fashion statement. They're the frontline defense in protecting your eyesight.

When you are outside walking, that glorious sunny weather can harm your eyes if you are not careful about protecting them. Even cloudy or hazy days can allow damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays to shine through to them. Rene Soltis, a 25-year dispensing optician and spokesperson and trainer with Vision Council of America, says that anytime you are outside it is important to have protection from UV rays. In fact, she says there are at least three simple reasons to purchase and wear quality sunglasses:

1. To protect your health: Poor UV protection can cause eye problems at earlier ages, such as cataracts and damage to the eye tissue.

2. To ensure your safety: If glare gets in your eyes and limits your visibility while walking, you could miss important things--such as oncoming cars or other hazards in your path.

3. To preserve your vanity: Squinting contributes to those little wrinkles around your eyes known as crow's-feet.

If you are ready to purchase a pair of sunglasses, Soltis recommends these attributes in shades for outdoor fitness walkers:

* Choose polarized lenses, which eliminate glare.

* Get lightweight protective frames such as "wrap" styles or trendy "shields."

* A gray lens will help prevent glare and allow true color definitions.

* Titanium is a lightweight and durable material for frames.

* Buy well-fitted shades. If your sunglasses are not comfortable or slip and slide when you perspire, you are less likely to wear them.

* Interact with an eye-care professional who pointedly asks you, `What do you want these sunglasses to do?' and then makes recommendations.

Since no mandatory labeling system for UV protection in lenses exists, Soltis believes that the general consumer is unlikely to properly understand the different UV ratings and promises marked on various sunglasses sold over your corner drugstore counter. However, an eye-care professional can measure and test lenses for UV protection.

Also, do not feel limited to one pair of sunglasses. Soltis says sunglasses should be task-specific, much like shoes. One pair might work for hiking, another for walking on the beach, and a third for those occasions when you want to look fashionable--but still with the right UV protection. On that last note, consider visiting the "Frame Game" at www.checkyearly.com to have an interactive experience in choosing frames that suit your face shape.

Do not be deceived by dark lenses. Did you know that dark sunglass lenses do not necessarily block out more sunlight than a lighter shade? In fact, Rene Soltis says that a dark lens could make the pupils dilate and let in more light than you planned. Darker lenses do not necessarily mean better quality or better protection from UV rays or glare.

Karen Fritscher-Porter writes on health issues from Bloomingdale, Georgia.