Six Reasons to Wear Sunglasses
- UV Protection
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium. Cataracts are a condition that involves a clouding of the eye’s lens that can blur vision; macular degeneration results from deterioration of the macula in the retina that destroys central vision; pterygium is tissue growth on the eyeball that can sometimes cause astigmatism and blurred vision. Wearing sunglasses that have UV protection can help protect against these conditions, keeping your eyes healthier. Look for a pair of sunglasses that blocks 100% of both UVB and UVA radiation. The labeling should read either “UV400” or “100% UV protection.”
- Protection from Elements
Whether you are reclining on a tropical beach or biking along a dirt road, sunglasses can make the difference between damaging your eyes and having an enjoyable outdoor adventure. Sand, wind, and dust can all painfully irritate your eyes or scratch the cornea, sometimes causing permanent damage. Snow, while less abrasive, it reflects UV rays from the sun into your eyes. If you are spending a lot of time in the snow without sunglasses, it can cause “snow blindness,” a temporary loss of vision due to overexposure to the UV rays reflected off the ice and snow. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection will avert snow blindness and keep you enjoying your snow day.
- Enjoy the View and See More
In addition to protecting your health and eyesight, wearing sunglasses simply helps you see better in bright light. They are designed to cut down on glare and improve the colors and contrasts of your view, so you can better take in your outdoor surroundings or drive more safely. Even on somewhat cloudy days, wearing sunglasses while driving can improve your vision and lessen the glare. If you’re out fishing, you’ll also be able to see past the surface of water more easily without the sun’s bright and reflective glare.
- Protect Recovering Eyes From a Procedure
Corrective eye surgeries are common these days, including LASIK or cataract surgery. After the procedure, it’s important you continue to wear sunglasses to help your eyes heal. The sunglasses will help protect your eyes from damage and ensure your eyes heal smoothly and quickly. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or anything alarming after your procedure, contact an ophthalmologist immediately.
- Avoid Headaches and Migraines
Bright sunlight can be a major trigger for many people who regularly get migraines or bad headaches. Wearing sunglasses allows you to soak up the sun without risking extreme pain and discomfort. Sunglasses are made to keep your eyes safer, make you look great, and keep you feeling more comfortable in the outdoors. So make sure to invest in a pair of high-quality sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays and wear them regularly.
- Reduce Aging
One reason for wearing sunglasses is that it can make you appear to look younger by protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays and also protecting the delicate skin surrounding them. This can result in fewer wrinkles as you age, leading to a more youthful appearance over time.
Aside from all of the benefits to the health of your eyes that can come with wearing sunglasses regularly, carefully choosing a pair can really add to your look. It’s easy to find a pair regardless of how much money you have to spend on them because there are literally hundreds of styles to choose from, whether you are on a tight budget or a high-end designer budget. Select a pair that will complement not only your face shape but also your style. And remember, it’ll be well worth it in more ways than one.
Asheville Vision and Wellness is western North Carolina’s most trusted source for helping families determine the right eye care, glasses, contacts, and more. For Asheville eye exams, the staff at Asheville Vision and Wellness offer outstanding patient care, comprehensive exams for health and vision problems, and medical treatments for eyes. For more information about our eye exams and eye care, visit our website or contact us.