Many of you may look at sunglasses as just a way to block the sun on a bright day or reduce glare for better visibility while driving or as just a fashion accessory, but the benefits do go much further. Read on to make sure you know it’s just as important to wear sunglasses as it is to apply sunscreen.
- Wearing “cheap” sunglasses is actually worse than going without. If sunglasses offer shade, but don’t offer UVA and UVB protection, they’ll cause your eyes to dilate (pupils get larger) as your eyes think it is darker, allowing more harmful rays. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that meet the British standards (BS EN ISO 12312-1*) and carry the “CE” mark. Check the label or ask a registered dispensing optician for advice.
- Sunglasses are not just for sunny days. Over time, the exposure of walking to and from the car, driving to work or just going for a short walk can damage the eyes. To combat the harmful effects of the sun, we should wear a pair of quality, polarised sunglasses because they block out harmful UV rays and eliminate glare.
- Leaving eyes exposed can increase aging. Potential damage from UV rays includes sunburn on the eye’s surface, cataracts, macular degeneration and even cancer of the eye and surrounding skin. In addition, this delicate skin is the first place where wrinkles form. Protecting the eye area keeps us looking younger for longer.
- The right sunglasses help prevent skin cancer. Where’s the one place you can’t apply sunscreen? Around your eyes! This leaves the thin, delicate skin around your eyes, as well as your eyes themselves, unprotected. In fact, between 5% and 10% of all skin cancer occurs around the eyes. Look for the Skin Cancer Foundation seal the next time you shop for sunglasses, and select a high quality pair of polarised sunglasses to help keep the area around your eyes from harm. Wrap around styles are even better, as they offer even more coverage and protection.
- Children need to protect their eyes from UV just as much as adults do. Very small children and babies should not be in the sun at all: according to the NHS toddlers and older children should wear sun cream, a hat and loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as oversized T-shirt with sleeves. Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet the British standards (BS EN ISO 12312-1*) and carry the “CE” mark. Check the label or ask a registered dispensing optician for advice.
Source: Maui Jim & http://www.abdo.org.uk
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