One of the best tools for protecting your eyesight is something you probably already own: sunglasses! People often underrate just how useful sunglasses are. You really should be wearing shades whenever you go out in the day, because they bring so many benefits.
Why You Shouldn’t Be In The Sun Without Sunglasses
1 – Preventing UV damage
By far, the most important reason to wear sunglasses is that they prevent long-term damage to your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. UV damage has been linked to several major vision disorders, including:
- Cataracts. Cataracts are caused by slow damage to the front of the eye, and UV rays will speed up that damage. Cataracts can be fixed with surgery, but it’s better to prevent them.
- Macular degeneration. The macula is part of your retina, in the back of the eye, which processes images in the center of your vision. UV rays can directly damage the macula, increasing macular degeneration over the years.
- Photokeratitis. This is literally a sunburn of the eye, and can occur from both direct sunlight, as well as indirect sources such as “snow blindness.” Photokeratitis is rarely permanent, but it is painful and can lead to short-term vision loss.
Wearing sunglasses can truly help preserve your sight later in life!
2 – Reducing Eye Strain
Do you suffer from eye strain headaches, or pain in your eyes themselves, after being outdoors? Like ZZ Top said, wear some shades or cheap sunglasses.
Being in intense sunlight forces your pupils to constrict as far as they can, for long periods, which puts a strain on the muscles which control the pupil. This can be made worse if you frequently move in and out of the sunlight, forcing your eyes to constantly adjust. Sunglasses reduce the strain, and save you a lot of pain!
3 – Debris Protection
Whenever you’re outdoors, there’s always the chance of debris or particles hitting you in the face. Sunglasses are a perfect shield for your eyes, and you can look great while wearing them. It’s rare for safety gear to also be fashionable, so embrace the twofer benefit!
Valley Eyecare Center in Phoenix offers a full range of sunglasses including basic lenses, prescription shades, and even transitional sunglasses that get darker in bright light. Click here to schedule an eye exam, and check out our great range of sunglasses while you’re here! Your eyes will thank you for it.
