Summer has arrived, and it’s time to unpack all the heat-protective clothing and accessories. This includes your sunglasses, which help protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you don’t own one, it is time to invest in it. If you aren’t sure which one to buy, here’s a guide to choosing the best sunglasses for your eyes.
How Sun Exposure Affects The Eyes
Sun exposure is a great way to increase your vitamin D levels. It also helps boost chemicals in your brain called serotonin that help provide energy and keep you calm and focused.
However, exposing yourself to sunlight also increases your risk of various health conditions. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UV rays from the sun could cause some forms of skin cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that it can also cause early ageing and skin damage that can contribute to an increased risk of cancer.
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Unfortunately, that's not all.
Dr Jatinder Singh, MS (Ophthalmology), Chief Ophthalmic Consultant at DR Agarwals Eye Hospital, Mohali Branch, suggests that sun exposure can harm your eyes. In fact, it is one of the leading risk factors for various eye conditions, including cataract formation, skin cancer of the eyelids and conjunctiva, dryness, corneal burns, pterygium, loss of corneal transparency, and retinal degeneration.
Therefore, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends wearing a hat along with sunglasses. This is both for adults and children alike.
Benefits Of Wearing Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses can benefit your eyes in several ways. Some of these include:
- Protection of the skin around the eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Prevention of cataract formation due to excessive UV ray exposure.
- Substitute for sunscreen lotion, which cannot be applied to the delicate skin surrounding the eyes.
- Provides clear, glare-free vision.
How To Choose The Best Sunglasses
According to Dr Singh, choosing sunglasses depends on the individual's profession, preferences, and geographical area.
For someone who indulges in outdoor activities, especially near ocean areas, snowy regions, or high hilly areas where one is more exposed to sunlight, it is advisable to use polarised sunglasses, he says.
He shares that these lenses block 100% of UV rays and their side effects, while also reducing glare.
Other factors to consider include:
- Ensure that the sunglasses are large enough to cover the eyes vertically, extending from half of the eyebrows to the upper part of the cheekbone.
- Horizontally, the sunglasses should extend beyond the temple bone.
- If you’re choosing to buy sunglasses for reasons beyond fashion statements, then do not compromise on quality.
Other Ways To Protect Your Eyes
Besides wearing good-quality sunglasses, you can also adopt useful practices that can help protect your eyes. These include:
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat that covers your eyes from the sunlight.
- Avoid going out from midday to early afternoon, as the sunlight is strongest during this hour.
- Avoid looking directly at the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds, as these pose the same risks to your eyes and body as outdoor UV light.
Bottomline
Sunglasses are your best friend, especially during the summer when the heat is high and there is a high risk of your eyes sustaining damage from sun exposure. It is important to note that choosing the right sunglasses also plays a crucial role in protecting your eyes. Some of the key features to look for when buying sunglasses are to ensure that they are polarised and that they are broad enough to cover the whole of the eye area, both vertically and horizontally.