Go Ahead, shield those peepers! Protecting your eyes from the sun's wrath is a no-brainer.
Reasons to Sport Sunglasses during Summer and Beyond:
Ever since the high school days when all the cool kids rocked those Ray-Ban® sunglasses, eye protections have come a long way. But now, it's not just about looking fabulous; it's about preserving your eye health and steering clear of problems.
Sunglasses do their job by blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can wreak havoc on the light-sensing photoreceptors in your eye. You may find yourself dancing with disasters like the following:
Solar retinopathy
This is a fancy name for a permanent sunburn on your retina, which can lead to vision problems or blindness. Direct exposure to the sun, even watching a solar eclipse, or prolonged exposure to intense sunlight can damage those image-sensing photoreceptors.
Pterygium (Surfer's Eye, or Beach Bum's Bump)
When a cloudy, wedge-shaped lump grows on the cornea, we're talking about pterygium. This growth, more common among surfers, can cause discomfort if it grows larger and hinders your vision.
Photokeratitis (Snow Blindness)
Photokeratitis is exactly what it sounds like: a corneal burn caused by UV light, which can result in eye pain, redness, watering eyes, and blurry vision. It's not only sunlight that can trigger this condition; surprisingly, it can also occur when light reflects off snow, ice, or water (yep, that's snow blindness).
Cataracts
Cataracts cloud your eye's lens, making daily activities like reading, driving, or seeing objects difficult. While they usually develop with age, too much UV exposure can accelerate the process.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) destroys the macula, the part of the eye responsible for your central vision. When the macula begins to thin, your vision will diminish. While aging increases your risk, excessive UV exposure can boost it too.
Headaches and Migraines
For around 60 percent of us, headaches and migraines are caused by bright lights, including the glare of the sun. And it doesn't take long—as little as 5 to 10 minutes out in the sun can trigger a migraine.
Other Protective Qualities
Sunglasses with polarized lenses can reduce blinding glares, making it easier on our eyes when sunlight bounces off water, snow, or reflected surfaces. Tinted lenses can protect our eyes from squinting and help us distinguish objects and colors more accurately. Even on cloudy days, it's a good idea to wear sunglasses when spending extended time outdoors, as UV rays linger year-round.
Choosing the best pair of sunglasses
Not all sunglasses are created equal when it comes to UV protection. Keep an eye out for sunglasses that offer 95 to 100% UV protection or say "UV 400" on them. Don't get fooled by yellow lenses, which offer less sun protection. If your current sunglasses don't have UV protection, fear not! You can find out by using a photometer, which is available at your eye doctor's office or some sunglasses retailers.
A proper fit is also crucial. No point in wearing sunglasses if space exists between the frames and your eyes, or they slide down your nose, exposing your peepers to UV radiation. To ensure a precise fit, buy sunglasses at an eyewear store.
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Sources:
- How Sunglasses Help Protect Your Eyes' Health - Johns Hopkins Medicine
- 5 Reasons You Should Wear Sunglasses More Often - River Heights Eye Care
- Sunglasses and Your Eyes - Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- What Role Do Sunglasses Play in Preventing Eye Strain and Fatigue? - Optical Masters
- Why Does the Sun Give Me a Headache? - TheraSpecs
- How Sunglasses Can Help Prevent Migraines Triggered by the Sun-And More! - Optometrists' Clinic Inc.
Enrichment Data:
- UV light can also be present year-round and can come from artificial sources like tanning beds[3][4].
- Common eye problems caused by UV light exposure:
- Cataracts: Both UV-A and UV-B rays increase the risk of cataract formation, which can impair vision or lead to blindness[3].
- Pterygium: This is a fleshy growth on the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the eye, often occurring in people who spend extended periods outdoors without protection[3].
- Eye Cancers: UV exposure is linked to rare types of eye cancer, such as conjunctival melanoma and uveal melanoma[3].
- Photokeratitis (Snow Blindness): Short-term exposure to UV rays can lead to corneal sunburn, causing eye redness and irritation[4].
- Corneal Sunburn (Keratitis): Long-term exposure to UV rays increases the risk of this condition, which can impair vision[4][5].
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Long-term exposure to UV light increases the risk of this condition, which can impair vision[4][5].
- Some tips to better protect your eyes:
- Wearing hats can offer additional protection around your eyes.
- Consider UV protection lens coatings on regular glasses for extra protection.
- Apply sunscreen on the face to protect the skin around your eyes.
Sunglasses, as vital elements in health-and-wellness, play a significant role in preserving eye health, especially by preventing solar retinopathy, a potentially permanent sunburn on the retina that can lead to vision problems or blindness. Furthermore, sunglasses can protect against other issues such as pterygium, a growth on the cornea that can cause discomfort, photokeratitis, a corneal burn caused by UV light, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and headaches or migraines caused by bright lights. It's advisable to choose sunglasses offering 95 to 100% UV protection and a proper fit to ensure optimal protection from UV rays. Additionally, wearing hats and applying sunscreen on the face can provide additional protection year-round.
