Benefits of wearing sunglasses
Sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UV rays of the sun, and are not just a fun fashion accessory. In addition, they also cut of glare, making vision more comfortable in bright light.
In fact, wearing sunglasses can help ward off the following serious problems.
Cataract
The natural lens of the eye becomes opaque, usually do to ageing. This process is known to be hastened by the harmful UV light. Sunglasses therefore can help delay the onset, and progression of cataracts.
Age Related Macular Degeneration
UV light may play a role in damaging the macula (the most light sensitive portion of your retina, at the back of the eye). While the disease is age related, there is enough evidence to show that UV light is also involved in its pathogenesis. Therefore, the use of sunglasses can potentially protect you from ARMD, which leads to blurring and vision loss.
Pterygium and pinguecula
These are abnormal growth of tissue, pterygium is also called surfer’s eye. This yellowish white progresses slowly from the white part of the eye, and can encroach upon the cornea. Wearing sunglasses may protect you from these growths also.
Skin Cancer
Up to 10 percent of all skin cancers are found on the eyelid, and have been associated with an increased exposure to UV light. Therefore, the UV protection from sunglasses may also help prevent these eyelid cancers.
Wrinkles
Sunglasses also help protect delicate skin around the eyes from ageing, which is accelerated by exposure to sunlight. All of us tend to crinkle our eyes when in bright light. This may result in more prominent wrinkles around the eye.
Dry eye
Sunglasses also provide a mechanical barrier for allergy causing agents and debris. They also help prevent dry eyes.
What to keep in mind when choosing
The most important things to remember when buying sunglasses are:
1. Hundred percent UV protection (both UVA and UVB). Alternatively, look for a label that says UV 400.
2. The larger the frame, the better it is, the more protection it offers.
3. Polarization reduces glare coming off reflective surfaces like water, but do not provide UV protection.
4. More expensive is not always better.
5. The sunglasses should fit snugly, without being too tight or uncomfortable. The center of the lens should be in line with the center of your eye. Larger frames are better, but frames shouldn’t be so wide that they let UV rays in on the sides.
6. Colour doesn’t matter, darker colours do not provide more protection.
If you have a prescription for glasses
You can get powered sunglasses. These will be customised to the power prescription of your eyes. Alternatively, you can choose photochromatic lenses in your spectacles. They block 100 percent of the sun’s UV rays and darken automatically in sunlight. These can eliminate your need for a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.
