As we approach 27 June, which is officially recognised as National Sunglasses Day, we thought it was only right to highlight the health and lifestyle benefits of wearing your sunglasses.
Just as it is important to protect your skin from the effects of the sun, it is equally important to protect your eyes from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays given off by the sun.
So, what are the benefits of wearing sunglasses?
Wearing sunglasses with full UV protection can help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, reduce glare and make it more comfortable to spend time outdoors. They can also provide protection from wind and airborne debris while allowing you to express your personal style.
The Health Benefits of Wearing Your Sunglasses
1. Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays
One of the main benefits of wearing sunglasses is protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Long-term exposure to UV rays can contribute to damage to the eyes and has been associated with conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Wearing sunglasses that provide full UVA and UVB protection can help reduce the amount of harmful UV radiation reaching your eyes.
When choosing sunglasses, always check that they offer full UV protection. A darker lens does not necessarily mean better UV protection.
2. Help Protect the Skin Around Your Eyes
The skin around your eyes is delicate and can be particularly sensitive to sun exposure.
Wearing sunglasses can help shield this area from UV rays while also reducing the need to squint in bright sunlight.
Larger frames and wraparound sunglasses can provide additional coverage around the eyes.
3. Help Reduce the Risk of Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision impairment worldwide.
Cataracts are a common eye condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurred or hazy vision.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation can contribute to cataract formation.
Wearing sunglasses fitted with UV-protective lenses help reduce the amount of UV radiation entering the eyes and is an important part of protecting your eyes from the sun.
4. Reduce Migraines and Light Sensitivity
Bright sunlight can be a trigger for some people who suffer from migraines or experience light sensitivity.
Wearing sunglasses can reduce the amount of bright light and glare reaching your eyes, which may help make being outdoors more comfortable.
If bright sunlight is a known trigger for your migraines, wearing sunglasses when outside may help reduce your exposure to one potential trigger.
5. Reduce Eye Strain and Fatigue
Bright sunlight can make you squint and can cause discomfort, particularly when you are outside for long periods of time.
Sunglasses reduce the amount of bright light entering the eyes, helping to make outdoor activities more comfortable.
This can be particularly useful when driving, walking, playing sport or spending time outdoors.
Safety Benefits of Sunglasses
1. Reduce Glare
Glare occurs when sunlight reflects off surfaces such as roads, water, windows and snow.
This can make it more difficult to see clearly and can be particularly uncomfortable when driving.
Polarised lenses can help reduce glare from reflective surfaces, making them a useful option for driving, fishing, water sports and other outdoor activities.
It is important to remember that polarised lenses and UV protection are not the same thing. Polarisation helps reduce glare, while UV protection helps protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Ideally, your sunglasses should provide both.
2. Protection from Wind and Debris
Sunglasses can also provide a physical barrier between your eyes and the surrounding environment.
Wind can carry dust, sand and other airborne particles that may irritate or damage the eyes.
Wearing sunglasses can help keep some of these particles away from your eyes, making them particularly useful when walking, cycling, gardening or taking part in outdoor sports.
3. Protection During Winter
UV rays are not limited to the summer months.
Bright winter sunlight can still expose your eyes to UV rays, while sunlight reflecting from wet roads, water, ice or snow can create additional glare.
For this reason, sunglasses can be useful throughout the year and not just during the summer.
Do You Need to Wear Sunglasses When It Is Cloudy?
Yes. UV rays can still reach your eyes when it is cloudy.
Cloud cover may make the day feel less bright, but it does not completely block UV radiation.
If you are spending time outdoors, wearing sunglasses with full UV protection can help protect your eyes regardless of whether the sky is clear or cloudy.
Social and Lifestyle Benefits of Sunglasses
1. Clearer and More Comfortable Vision in Bright Conditions
The correct lenses in your sunglasses can significantly improve visual clarity and comfort in bright environments by reducing the amount of light entering your eyes.
This can enhance driving performance and improve participation in outdoor activities and sports such as fishing, golf and water sports.
If you need glasses to see clearly, prescription sunglasses can also combine your normal prescription with UV protection, allowing you to see clearly without having to wear your regular glasses underneath.
2. Suitable for Different Outdoor Activities
Different sunglasses can be better suited to different activities.
- Polarised lenses can be useful for reducing glare from water and roads.
- Wraparound frames can provide additional protection from sunlight and wind.
- Prescription sunglasses can provide clear vision as well as UV protection.
- Sports sunglasses can provide a secure fit when you are active outdoors.
What Should You Look for When Buying Sunglasses?
When buying sunglasses, the most important thing to consider is UV protection rather than simply how dark the lenses are.
Below is a list of things to look for:
- Full UVA and UVB protection.
- UV400 protection where stated.
- A comfortable fit that does not slip or pinch.
- Lenses that provide good coverage around the eyes.
- Polarised lenses if glare is a particular problem for you.
- Prescription lenses if you need vision correction.
Fashion Benefits of Sunglasses
1. Personalise Your Style
Sunglasses are a fashion statement in their own right. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colours and brands allowing you to express your personal style while protecting your eyes.
The most important thing is to choose sunglasses that you feel comfortable wearing. If you like the way they look and they fit well, you are more likely to wear them regularly when you are outdoors.
Pop into one of our stores to explore our wide range of sunglasses and find a pair that suits both your lifestyle and personality.
If you do purchase a pair of sunglasses always ensure that the lenses offer full UV protection.
If you would like a better understanding of lens, tints and coatings take a read of our blog here.
Contact us today — we can even bring our range of sunglasses to your home for you to try in comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunglasses
Why should you wear sunglasses?
The main reason to wear sunglasses is to protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. They can also reduce glare, improve comfort in bright conditions and help protect your eyes from wind and airborne debris.
What do sunglasses help with?
Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV rays, reduce glare and make bright outdoor conditions more comfortable. They can also provide protection from wind, dust and other airborne particles.
Do sunglasses help your eyes?
Yes. Sunglasses with full UV protection can help protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation. They can also reduce glare and discomfort caused by bright sunlight.
Do you need sunglasses in winter?
Yes. UV rays are present throughout the year, including during winter. Sunglasses can also help reduce glare from wet roads, snow and other reflective surfaces.
Do you need sunglasses when it is cloudy?
Yes. Sunglasses with full UV protection can help protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation. They can also reduce glare and discomfort caused by bright sunlight.
Are polarised sunglasses better?
Polarised sunglasses are particularly useful for reducing glare from reflective surfaces such as water and roads. However, polarisation is not the same as UV protection, so make sure your sunglasses also provide full UV protection.