Everywhere you go, you’re bound to see people wearing sunglasses. It might be at a sporting event or maybe even the beach. However, there are a few reasons to sport shades that aren’t just about looking cool. Sunglasses are a good way to protect your eyes from UV rays and help prevent other sun-related health problems. So, before you run out of the house without a pair, consider the list below.
1. Prevent Sun-Related Health Problems
Sunglasses exist for one main reason: to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce your risk of developing a variety of ailments. They also help protect the soft areas around your eyes from sun exposure that could lead to different kinds of health issues. Most sunglasses sold in the United States (regardless of cost or designer) meet the standards to block both UVA and UVB rays that are harmful to the eyes.
Let’s start by defining what we mean by “standards.” You may have noticed on some sunglasses, they will say “100% UVA or UVB Protection.” This means that the sunglasses should provide your eyes with enough protection from the Sun’s ultraviolet rays (but that’s not always the case, so you may want to do a little research). There are also some sunglasses that are “polarized” and that simply means, it helps reduce glare (that sparkle or shimmer effect that the Sun creates when it bounces off shiny surfaces).
Now, let’s look at a few health problems that can result from prolonged sun exposure:
Cataracts and Glaucoma
Cataracts are the “cloudy looking” areas on the eye’s lens. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, prolonged exposure to the Sun’s UV rays can contribute to cataracts. UV exposure can worsen the conditions of Glaucoma and eventually lead to complete blindness if not taken care of. Wearing sunglasses with the complete UV protection can help you reduce the risk and lessen the complications if you already have Glaucoma.
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration is a condition where part of the retina “macula” will deteriorate causing slight or severe impaired vision. In some cases, it can cause partial or complete blindness. Certain kinds of UV radiation can speed up this process, so it’s best to try and wear UV Protected sunglasses to help aid in the prevention.
Skin Cancer
The skin around your eyes are extremely sensitive (especially your eyelids). According to Skincancer.org, nearly 44% of all skin cancers located around the eyes are generally on the lower eyelid. That’s a pretty solid percentage, right? Wearing glasses with UVA and UVB protection can help aid in the fight against these types of statistics from becoming a reality!
2. PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS
There are more things out there that can cause damage to your vision other than the sun, and that’s the elements. The more you spend outdoors, the more chances that you’ll have something fly into your eye. Things such as dust, wind, snow and bugs sound harmless, but don’t be fooled.
Snow
Snow has always known to be fun and mostly harmless, or is it? You may be surprised to hear that depending on how much time you spend in the great white wilderness, you are being exposed to over 80% of the sun’s UV rays. There is a term known as Photokeratitis or “Snow Blindness.” This can happen because of not having proper eye protection from the sun’s reflection on the snow’s surface.
Sand
If you’ve never got sand in your eye, consider yourself lucky. Getting sand in your eyes can be painful and potentially dangerous. Those tiny granules are sharp enough to scrape the surface of your eye and cause damage to your vision. Using sunglasses that fully cover your eyes will help keep the sand out.
Wind/Dust
You might spend a lot of time outside and usually during the stormy season, the wind can kick up all sorts of stuff. If you work near a dusty environment or places where there’s a lot of debris, you may find your eyes getting irritated more often. Luckily if you own a pair of sunglasses, you can help protect your eyes from the elements!
3. FEWER HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
Bright lights can be a trigger for migraines and excruciating headaches. If you don’t wear sunglasses during the day, you may want to consider why you aren’t wearing them. Sunglasses can help reduce the intensity of the sunlight and lower the amount of head pain, eyestrain and fatigue.
4. SUNGLASSES ARE STYLISH!
Of course, what else would you use them for?! Sunglasses come in many shapes, colors and sizes. Depending on what kind of day or activities you have planned, you can coordinate what kind of outfit you’ll be wearing. Check out a few styles we’ve picked out below:
Mens –
Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer Classic Polarized Sunglasses
Oakley Holbrook Prizm Black Polarized Sunglasses
VonZipper Unisex Alt-Lesmore Black Gloss/Grey Sunglasses – Polarized
Womens –
Prada Womens Sunglasses (PR 01O) Black/Grey Acetate – Polarized
Gucci Black (0035S) Round Sunglasses – Polarized
Ray-Ban ERIKA – HAVANA Frame – Polarized
5. PRIVACY
Much like our personal lives, we like to have a little privacy. People tint their vehicle windows because they don’t want anyone nosing around. Sunglasses almost serve the same purpose. Sometimes people wear sunglasses as a disguise; because who wants to be bothered every time you go out, right?
Your eye contact can tell people a lot about yourself without even saying a word. If you plan on being around huge crowds, sunglasses seem to put you in a “protective zone” allowing you to observe what’s going on around you without giving out any creepy vibes.
6. SEE BETTER WHILE DRIVING
An age-old debate. “Do sunglasses help you when driving in the rain?” It has been said that while driving through a light shower during the day, the correct shades can help improve your vision and concentration. (Notice we said, during the DAY!) Of course, when you’re driving into direct sunlight, polarized sunglasses can help your vision as you navigate the open roads. Just make sure you don’t use them at night!
7. YOU’LL SEE MORE OUTDOORS BY IMPROVING YOUR VISION
You might’ve seen them. When a pair of sunglasses say, “polarized.” One of the benefits of wearing polarized sunglasses is that you gain better clarity!
The picture below clearly displays the difference when looking through the lens of polarized sunglasses. The scenery is brighter, sharper and less glare. The colors and contrast are also improved!
Have any ideas that you’d like to add to our next blog? Contact us on Facebook and let us know what you’d like to see! Also be sure to check out our blog on the 12 Beach Bag Essentials you’ll need this summer!
