Five Reasons to Wear Your Sunglasses This Summer

Sunglasses are stylish and help protect your eyes, but did you know how important they are? Wearing sunglasses reduces exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun, which can have several adverse effects on the eyes.

Wearing sunglasses regardless of the season helps safeguard your vision. In the summer, we often spend more time outdoors in the sunshine, so it is even more vital.

Keep reading to learn more about why sunglasses are a must this summer. 

Benefits of sunglasses

Sunglasses have several benefits and protection for your eyes, including the following: 

Help decrease your risk of macular degeneration and other eye diseases: Prolonged exposure to the sun is linked to an increased risk of various eye diseases. Overexposure to the sun can contribute to eye diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 10% of cases of cataracts are attributed to excess sun exposure. 

Lower the chances of skin cancer around your eyes: Skin cancer can develop on any part of your skin. There are different types of skin cancer. Some forms are more severe than others. For example, melanoma can be life-threatening, but even less serious types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma, may lead to scarring. 

Wearing sunglasses reduces your exposure to UV lights. It decreases your risk of skin cancer around your eyes and your eyelids. 

Slows the development of wrinkles and lines: Most of us dislike the lines and wrinkles around our eyes. While we can’t wave a magic wand and eliminate crow’s feet, we can protect the skin around our eyes. 

The sun itself damages the delicate skin around the eyes. Plus, if we spend a lot of time squinting, that etches the creases around the eyes. Wearing sunglasses helps reduce both UV damage and squinting. Fewer wrinkles and lines help promote a more youthful appearance. 

Reduce the risk of migraines and headaches: Sunlight is sometimes a trigger for people who get migraines and other types of headaches. Wearing glasses also reduces squinting and eyestrain, which can lead to tension headaches. 

Helps with visual clarity in bright light: Sunglasses help enhance visual clarity. Most of us have driven on a sunny day and may have had reduced visibility due to squinting. Polarized or tinted lenses help reduce glare and make driving safer. Minimizing the effects of harsh sunlight also helps when doing water sports, biking, and other outdoor sports. 
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What to look for in sunglasses 

Sunglasses are available in many styles, shapes, and types. While you want something that looks good, there are a few other factors to keep in mind. Consider the following when choosing sunglasses:

• Select glasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. Look for glasses that are labeled UVA and UVB protection. 
• Remember, polarized lenses do not provide UV protection in themselves. So, if you want polarized lenses, make sure they are made with a UV-blocking material. 
• Consider a wraparound style that protects the skin around the sides of your eyes. 
• Glasses should have the largest lenses possible for protection from sun damage. 

Also, keep in mind sunglasses should be worn during any season and also on overcast days. If you have any questions about keeping your eyes protected and healthy, we are happy to assist. 

Also, if you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.