6 Reasons You Should Always Wear Sunglasses

Did you know that according to the Vision Council, over 218 million people in America wear non-prescription sunglasses?

When the sun is out and bright, sunglasses are an accessory that most people will not miss. It helps reduce the brightness and improves eye comfort. But did you know that wearing sunglasses when going out has many benefits? Some experts advise that you should always wear sunglasses when you are going out. 

Here are six primary reasons you should always wear sunglasses when going out.

Protection From Sun-related Eye Conditions

The sun is the greatest source of UV rays we are exposed to. In small doses, these rays are beneficial, but long-term exposure can be dangerous. It can harm not only your skin but also your eyes. It can cause both short-term and long-term damage to the eyes. Some of the conditions that may develop from long-term exposure to UV rays are:


 

• Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration affects over 10 million Americans. It is said to be one of the major causes of age-related blindness. Wearing sunglasses protects you from the UV radiation that causes macular degeneration to develop.


 

• Glaucoma

The Glaucoma Research Foundation found that long-term UV exposure can cause damage to the internal and surface structure of the eye. This can lead to the development of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve and causes blindness.


 

• Cataracts

Because long-term exposure to UV radiation damages the eye's internal structure, the lens is one of the first parts to suffer. Exposure to UV rays may cause cataracts to develop. Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of the eye, causing vision impairment.


 

• Causes Migraines

Light sensitivity or photophobia is when bright light triggers migraines. If you have some eye condition, you may have developed photophobia. It causes migraines and pain and reduces your ability to see.

According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraines are the most prevalent condition linked with photophobia. Up to 90 percent of people with migraines experience photophobia. You can protect yourself from this by wearing sunglasses when you go out.

• Weather Elements

Other than the sun, sunglasses also protect your eyes from different weather elements. Elements like sand, snow, fine dust, and wind can get into the eyes if you do not have protection. It would be best if you always had sunglasses, especially when doing sports. These elements can cause irritation and even corneal abrasions when they affect the eyes.

• Eye Cancer

Intraocular cancer is a rare form of cancer. However, the risk of developing it increases with long-term exposure to UV radiation. Its treatment includes surgery, thermotherapy, radiation, and laser beam therapy. You can protect your eyes by always having sunglasses when you go out in the sun. 

• Eye Growth

You may also develop eye growths on the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye. Various pollutants entering the eye, including UV rays, may trigger the growth. You can get two types of eye growth: pterygium and pinguecula.

• Eye Sunburn

Another condition you can develop from UV rays is eye sunburn, also called photokeratitis. It mainly occurs when the sun’s rays bounce off shiny surfaces such as water, snow, and sand. This light damages the cornea of the eye.

For more reasons for wearing sunglasses, visit Blue Hills Eye Associates at our office in Braintree, Massachusetts. Call (781) 794-2200 to book an appointment today.