If you’re like many of us, sunglasses are a fun accessory. Not only do they look cool, but they also help us avoid having to squint in the bright sunshine. But, the most important benefit of wearing sunglasses is that they protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light can have harmful effects on the eyelid, cornea, lens, and retina.
Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses:
1. Protect your eyes from sun damage
The right kind of sunglasses protects the eyes from harmful UV rays. But it’s not just exposure that’s a concern; did you know that your cornea can actually get sunburned? Furthermore, your retina can be damaged by the effects of the sun’s rays, which can ultimately result in vision loss. Anytime you can see natural light from the sun, whether laying by the pool, driving your car, going for a walk, etc., make sure you’re wearing a proper pair of sunglasses.
2. Reduce your odds of developing astigmatism
UV rays from the sun can also cause pterygium, a tissue growth over the white part of the surface of the eye. This tissue growth can actually change the natural curvature of the eye and ultimately cause astigmatism. Astigmatism is usually fairly mild in its impact, but it can create blurry distance vision and lead to discomfort or headaches.
3. Slow down – or halt – disease progression
Many eye diseases are believed to be accelerated or even brought on by UV damage over time. For instance, 20 percent of cases of cataracts are caused by extended UV exposure. And macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the U.S., comes from damage to the retina (damage which is often caused by UV exposure). There’s also a form of cancer called eyelid cancer, which can be largely prevented by protecting your eyes from the rays of the sun.
All of these reasons make it clear that using proper sun protection for your eyes is crucial for optimal eye health and vision. So wear yours now.
References: Horizon Eye Specialist
Stay Healthy!
Love,
Maribel Idania