They’re probably the most commonly bought fashion accessories slash protective gear in the world, and people usually swear by them for more than one reason, and no matter what anyone says, we think that sunglasses are basically essential purchases. More often than not, people around the world don’t include eye care in their idea of a healthy lifestyle. We think of going to the gym and starting a diet, but unfortunately taking care of our eyes is usually a very low priority in comparison. It’s high time that this convention changes, and so we give you, the top 10 reasons why you need to wear sunglasses! No matter what international brands you prefer, be it Ray-Ban, Fahrenheit, Velocity Sunglasses or anything else, you should be able to find something you like.
- UV Protection: So this is a no brainer, if you want to get sunglasses, you must get a pair that offers 100% UV protection. UV rays, or ultraviolet rays are harmful radiations from the sun that can cause cataracts, photokeratitis and even blindness. Those are in no way pleasant conditions, so if you want to keep them at bay, there’s no better way than to use a pair of high quality protective sunglasses. Don’t make the mistake of just getting cheap dark sunglasses, because they actually do more harm than good. Under low light or shaded conditions, our pupils tend to dilate to let in more light, and in doing so, also let in more UV rays. Since these cheap sunglasses only offer ‘shade’ to your eyes, your pupils dilate and let in even more UV rays than before because there’s no protection against them.
- Keeping Skin Cancer At Bay: This may sound like a long shot, but it actually isn’t. It’s been said that 10% of all skin cancers are found on the eyelid, and it can be caused by sunrays. The sun is strongest in the early morning and late afternoon, so these are the times you really need to wear sunglasses, both for UV protection, and to avoid skin cancer. Eyelid cancer can spread and cause serious problems including facial disfigurement, definitely not something you want, do you?
- Reducing Glare: Glare is the caused by reflected sunlight, which is often extremely bright and temporarily blinds you. It also causes regular visual discomfort, which is something you’ve probably noticed on a sunny day, especially on a waterfront or while driving. Speaking of which, glare during driving can be nothing short of fatal, because it can cause you to temporarily go blind or get disoriented. This can obviously lead to accidents, which is exactly why you need to get sunglasses that are polarized, to reduce glare.
- Reducing eyestrain and headaches: Your eyes are meant to let in only a certain amount of light, and there’s a balance between levels of light that need to be reached for optimum vision. Too much or too less light results in compromised vision. Sunglasses often regulate the level of light entering into your eyes, and help you see better on sunny days.
- Prevent Sunburns: Yep, your eyes can get sunburnt too. The areas around your eyes are very sensitive to light, and on bright, sunny days, can also get damaged after prolonged exposure. Sunglasses keep these areas safe and protected, so you can reduce the chances of getting sunburnt as well!
- Prevent Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration is a condition related to aging in which excessive deposits on a part of the retina called the macula can lead to blindness. This is made worse by UV rays, so one of the ways to avoid this condition is to use a high quality pair of branded sunglasses which provides UV protection.
- Reduce Pterygium Development: Pterygium is a growth on the surface of the eye that is caused by excessive exposure to the sun, wind, dust and sand. People who work in the sun all day are at risk of pterygium development, and this can be avoided by wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses block a lot of dirt and dust, and also limit the exposure to the elements, thus averting the condition.
- Comfortable Vision: Going out on a sunny day without sunglasses can result in you squinting all throughout just to look around. After some time, it gets really uncomfortable and you have to resort to using the palm of your hand as a shade. Not to mention, squinting can lead to headaches. Why go through all this when you can just get sunglasses and see the world as it’s meant to be without being uncomfortable?
- Reduce The Risk Of Cataracts: One of the most common eye conditions, but usually seen in older ages, cataracts are caused by clouding of the lens of the eyes. Although seen more in people over the age of 60, UV rays are also responsible for accelerating the formation of cataracts. They can lead to partial or complete blindness, and you can reduce the risk by investing in a pair of sunglasses with UV protection.
- Look awesome: Last but definitely not the least, is to look awesome! Sunglasses are like fashion statements, and speak volumes about your personality and style. You can choose from a wide range of sunglasses designs and types, depending on mood and occasion, so it’s not just about protecting your eyes, it’s about looking great while doing it!
And if you have proper eyesight, you can also consider power sunglasses to safeguard your eyes for extra protection.
Bottomline is, you get to protect one of the most important parts of your body and still look awesome while doing it, what’s not to like?