Fore sight: play it safe with sunglasses that feel good - and look good, too - Equipment: Style - golfers: selecting and using sunglasses

You are going blind. And there is no cure. That's what playing golf without wearing sunglasses is doing to your eyes. The good news is, sunglasses are the simplest prevention. The better news is, you can look really cool saving your sight, and you might end up scoring better, too.

According to eye experts, the right pair of sunglasses is the best defense against cataracts, macular degeneration and cancerous growths on the eye and eyelid, three leading causes of vision loss. "Sunglasses are the healthiest way to treat your eyes when you're outdoors, specifically when playing golf in a sunny environment," says Dr. Richard Lewis, a Sacramento-based ophthalmologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lewis also recommends wearing a broad-brimmed hat or cap. "We don't have cures for cataracts and macular degeneration, and although we have treatments, the best treatment is prevention."

Sunglasses have gained a foothold in the game today, thanks to their use by high-profile tour players such as David Duval, Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb, among others. With tour use and their adoption by teaching professionals has come an increase in the number of golf-specific glasses in the $5 billion sunglasses global market. But it's not a one-size (or style)-fits-all scenario. There is an array of options and issues to consider before buying.

First, think about comfort and fit, particularly around the nose bridge and earpiece, the two key contact points of any pair of glasses. Furthermore, decide if features such as rimless frames or flip-up frames are important to you. (For example, flip-up frames give a golfer the option in changing conditions to read a green or address the ball without having to look through the sunglasses.)

Next, consider the optics of the lenses, especially tint and shape. Polarized lenses are designed to cut down glare, while different-colored tints are designed to highlight contrasts and improve clarity. Amber-colored lenses, which block out blue light, are said to make distant objects (such as your ball on the green) more distinct. In addition, wraparound lenses have the benefit of protecting the eyes from bunker sand and other airborne debris such as dust and pollen, while decreasing glare and distortion from peripheral light. Remember that many manufacturers offer a prescription option for most styles.

Finally, don't forget the look. "I'm not a fashionable person, but I think you'd have a tough time taking fashion out of the equation," Lewis says. "Function is really important, but I want to look a certain way, too."

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