Have you considered eye protection since winter has past and summer is approaching?  The sun is becoming brighter and stronger as time goes on and we only have one set of eyes.  Did you know that the sun could cause many problems with your eyes such as cataracts, macular degeneration and corneal damage?  Some of these problems are permanent and cannot be repaired. 
     It is my understanding that many studies have been conducted to determine who suffers eye damage the most from the sun.  One of the studies was conducted on the commercial fisherman.  In this study, it was proven that commercial fisherman were three to four times more likely to have eye damage from the sun.  I believe this survey can be applied to all fishermen.  Why take the risk of receiving eye damage from the sun; wear a good pair of sunglasses while fishing or when you’re on the water. 
     Sunglasses have many benefits to the fisherman.  In addition to protecting your eyes, they are good for seeing your fishing line better, viewing underwater cover and structure, and for sight fishing.  When choosing a good pair of sunglasses make sure you purchase a pair that protects your eyes from UV-A and B rays.   Don’t just purchase a pair because they are inexpensive and you look good in them; they may not provide adequate protection.  A pair of sunglasses without UV protection is almost as bad as not wearing sunglasses at all.   They cause the iris in your eye to open fully allowing the UV rays into your eye.  In addition, don’t get trapped by brand name sunglasses.  Just because it has a brand name does not mean it has UV protection or can protect you from both UV-A and B rays.  I have been told that there are models of Ray Bans or Oakley’s that are not polarized.  
     Several questions you should ask when purchasing sunglasses are: will they protect your eyes from UV rays, are they polarized and to what degree of polarization do they offer?  Some degrees of polarization can vary from 15% to 100%.   In my research, I found one maker that has the fisherman in mind; Ocean Waves.  They are “Polarized Perfection, with Complete UV Protection”.  In fact they are 100% polarization and block UV, A,B, and C rays.  Ocean Waves Sunglasses were developed and field-tested by fishermen and charter boat captains.  Shaw Grigsby, a nationally known tournament bass angler and TV host, wears and endorses Ocean Waves sunglasses.  He can be seen wearing them on his TV program, “One More Cast With Shaw Grigsby”. 
     Ocean Waves also has a pro fishing advisory team to advise them on the production of their sunglasses.  In fact, they have lenses called the “Crown Royal Luminator” which were extensively tested by Shaw Grigsby and the Crown Royal fishing team.  They are the best lenses for low light situations such as early mornings.  Ocean Waves are also made in many stylish frames and can be made to fit your prescription.  I have used Ocean Waves Sunglasses for several years now and I can honestly say that I love them.  In fact, I have several pair and have them located in various places ready for use.  I keep one pair in the glove box of my Ranger boat.  These are the Crown Royal Luminators, which I use, in low light situations and for sight fishing; another pair I keep in my motor home for all around use.
     By the way, I purchased my motor home, from Leo’s Vacation Center, Gambrills, Maryland for towing my Ranger boat throughout the country or for just going camping.  It’s a great way for the tournament fishermen to travel.  

Ocean Waves can be purchased at Boaters World in Beltsville; The Eye Care Center in Ocean Pines; and West Laurel Shell in Laurel, Maryland.  They can also be found at Custom Eyes Optical in Richmond; Dr. John Leeth in Waynesboro; and FH Gaskins in Norfolk, Virginia.  For additional information or to purchase Ocean Waves Sunglasses visit their web site at www.oceanwaves.com.

 "As published in the May 2003 edition of The Sportsman's Magazine"