Wearing Sunglasses and how it keeps Your Eyes Healthy

 Sunglasses or sunshades are form of protective eye-wear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses featuring lenses that are colored, polarized or darkened.

As the warm weather months draw near we are exposed to longer days under the sun’s bright and potentially dangerous glow. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) ray can increase the risk of developing cataracts and damaging the retina, which could lead to complete vision loss or tumors. Sunglasses also prevent dust, sand, and any other airborne particles from getting into the eyes.

It is never too late to begin protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Whether you have been a long time sunglasses enthusiast or are relative newcomer to wearing sun glasses, next time you find yourself outside or in the car, do your eyes a favor and put on a pair of sunglasses.

Tips for choosing effective sunglasses:

1.      Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

2.      Don’t choose sunglasses based on the color of the lenses. Unless treated, dark lenses do not block out UV rays better than tints. Read the labels instead.

3.      When it comes to sunglasses, bigger is better. Wrap-around shades that offer side protection are especially good choice. The sun’s ray does not just come from the front, they can reflect from surfaces such as cars or water.

4.      If you do a lot driving, consider polarized lenses, which are effect at reducing glare.

5.      Remember pricing isn’t an indication of the quality of UV protection. If fact, studies show that some costly sunglasses can be less effective at blocking UV rays than less expensive frames.

Since there is no uniform labeling of sunglasses, consult your optometrist for advice o choosing the best pair of sunglasses for your sight.

Simple steps for keeping your eyes safe

1.      Always wear your sunglasses when you’re outside. This is particularly important during peak sunlight hour, between 10 am and 2  pm, when rays are the strongest. Also, be sure to wear your sunglasses when you’re at higher altitudes, when UV light can be especially intense.

2.      Wear sunglasses even when it’s cloudy. Just as doctors recommend sunscreen on cloudy days, eye care professionals recommend people wear sunglasses even when it isn't sunny out. That’s because UV rays can penetrate through thin clouds and haze.

3.      A wide-brimmed hat can also help block some UV rays from getting into your eyes

4.      Wear sunglasses year-round. Your eyesight can be by sunlight in any season.

5.      Another bonus to wearing sunglasses is they can help reduce the amount of wrinkles around the eyes. The skin of the eyelids and around the eyes is very thin and susceptible to sun damage. And wearing sunglasses reduces squinting, which can also lead to wrinkles.

By wearing sunglasses that offer effective protection against harmful UV rays, you can enjoy the outdoors while protecting your eyesight.

 Source Healthy Vision Center