In today’s world, it may seem as though we are all about fashion. We want to look good and we aren’t afraid to say it! We accessorize with blinged-out cell phone covers, designer purses and shoes, and even high-end sunglasses, or at least sunglasses that look uber-stylish. The thing is, we need our sunglasses to pull double-duty. While looking good, they also need to live up to their intended purpose, which is to protect the eyes.
Do sunglasses really do that much? Yes!
- Glare protection. Even people who aren’t too big on wearing sunglasses can find the constant glare of sunlight irritating from time to time. Having to squint to see clearly can cause unnecessary headache – not to mention frown lines!
- UV protection. There are multiple wavelengths of light, and some are not so great for your eyes. Violet and blue lights can put you at a greater risk of macular degeneration later in life, and UVA and UVB rays weaken the ocular structure, putting you at risk for multiple conditions, including glaucoma.
- Visual adaptation. Most of us have had the experience of momentary “blindness” after coming inside after being out in the sun. Typically, our eyes adapt after several seconds; but the longer you are outdoors without the protection of sunglasses, the harder it is for your eyes to acclimate to indoor light levels.
Sunglasses to the Rescue!
We can all benefit from wearing sunglasses every single day. It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining brightly or if it is cloudy, UV light can do damage to your eyes just as it can to your skin. Important components to look for in choosing quality sunglasses include high UV protection. 100% UVA and UVB protection screens up to 90% of visible light. This is what you want! Also, if you spend more time outdoors, you want maximum glare protection, which you can get from polarized lenses.
Remember! Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory, they provide a very important function. That being said, even children benefit from donning their shades when they go outdoors.
We are here to help you manage your eye health with friendly, professional care.
