We pull on our sunglasses when the sun is shining brightly outside. That’s our natural reaction. I’ve even been known to don them when seated inside a restaurant with a direct hit through the window.
Your favorite shades make it more comfortable and easier to see, but there are many more reasons to wear them year-round, every day, every time you’re outside to help your eyes stay healthier longer.
#1. UV Protection
By far, UVA and UVB protection is the most important benefit of wearing sunglasses. It is reported that your eyes are 10 times more sensitive to ultraviolet light than your skin. By wearing good quality sunglasses, you can protect your eyes from serious eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other sight diminishing diseases. The sun’s rays can also cause eye cancer and cancer of the eyelid.
#2. Barrier From the Elements
As a physical barrier, sunglasses protect your eyes from wind, blowing sand and dust, even snow. Airborne debris could irritate or even scratch your cornea, which could cause permanent damage.
#3. See Better, Be Safer
If you are hit with an unexpected blast of sunlight, you may have to squint or shade your eyes with your hand. That’s not “seeing your best” and could be a safety hazard while driving, riding a bike, or any activity where you’re moving fast and making quick decisions. You could prevent severe injury to yourself or others by wearing sunglasses.
#4. Protect Eyes as they Heal
Corrective eye surgery is a common occurrence, whether a procedure to remove cataracts or improve vision with LASIK surgery. Sunglasses are the ideal way to keep your valuable eyesight safe and give your body time to heal.
#5. Avoid Headaches or Migraines
Migraine and intense headache sufferers know that bright sunlight can be a trigger for these painful events. The best way to prevent this from happening is to wear dark, high quality sunglasses.
#6. Reduce Visible Light
Wearing dark-tinted sunglasses reduces the amount of visible light entering your eyes which makes it more comfortable to see. This reduces the strain put on your eyes, preventing you from squinting (a wrinkle causing, early aging activity).
#7. Reduce Eye Strain
Long periods of visual focus such as driving for a long period of time can produce visual fatigue. To prevent that “wrung out” feeling at the end of a long day in the sun, wearing sunglasses is a great way to alleviate visual fatigue.
#8. Defeat Glare
Polarized glasses can block glare. Glare is produced when light reflects off flat shiny surfaces such as water and snow, making it incredibly difficult to see properly. For maximum protection, consider wraparound sunglasses. The strong curvature blocks sunlight and airborne debris from the sides and above the frame. Perfect for athletes.
#9. Reduce the Effects of Jet Lag
In a 2005 study by the director of The Edinburgh Sleep Centre, he deduced that wearing sunglasses can help reduce the impact of jet lag. Behind dark-tinted lenses, the amount of visible light is reduced. As a result, your brain is fooled that its night time which can help tweak your body’s internal clock. Who knew?
Wearing sunglasses is not eye candy. It is an essential aid in preserving your vision and eye health and a must whenever you’re outside. To ensure your sunglasses are fully protective, check for the UV400 rating or CE mark which is usually printed on the inner surface of the glasses. And this, my friends, is a case when bigger is better! (lenses that is).
Maureen O’Connor, Licensed Aesthetician
Five Elements Salon and Spa, Rutland, Vermont
Offering a unique blend of science and philosophy that balances the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components of holistic health.