Protect your eyes from UV, dust and wind after LASIK with close-fitting sunglasses like this Maui Jim Sport model.

Sunglasses are essential after LASIK to protect your eyes from harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun.

The same UV rays that cause sunburn can damage your eyes, eyelids, and cause premature aging of the skin around your eyes.

For the best protection, make sure your sunglasses block 100% of UV rays. UV protection is unrelated to tint color and density, so you can choose any lens color or darkness you like, so long as the lenses say, "100% UV protection."

Also, choose a design with relatively large lenses for more coverage of your face. But remember to remove them occasionally to avoid having large pale areas of skin around your eyes, surrounded by a tan face! (The best time to do this is later in the afternoon when the sun's UV rays aren't as intense.)

It's also a good idea to have at least one pair of close-fitting, wrap-style sunglasses. This style offers better protection from wind, dust, and glare from sunlight hitting the side of your face.