Sunglasses are widely seen as a must-have addition to the summer wardrobe, but people often fail to realise the importance of them all year round.
With new ranges from leading designers dropping right now, Spring is an ideal time to invest in a new pair but, by wearing sunnies across every season, you will be protecting your eyes from irritants and eye diseases.
Sunglasses are far more than just a fashion accessory; they are also an essential tool for shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays while offering good protection from wind, allergens and debris.
Buying a new pair of sunglasses brings with it a whole host of benefits.
Protection from UV Rays
The primary purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can cause serious eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even blindness. This is particularly important for children, with studies suggesting 80% of UV exposure happens before the age of 18. A new pair of sunglasses with high-quality lenses can offer 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Reduced Eye Strain
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in bright sunlight, your eyes can become fatigued and strained. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce eye strain by blocking out bright light and glare.
Improved Visibility
Sunglasses can also improve your visibility in bright sunlight by reducing the glare caused by both reflected light and direct light such as low sun on the horizon. This is especially important for activities such as driving or outdoor sports, where clear visibility is essential for safety.
Reduced Risk of Skin Cancer
Your eyes are not the only part of your body that can be damaged by UV radiation. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer around your eyes. Wearing sunglasses with a wide frame can offer added protection to the delicate skin around your eyes.
Fashionable Accessory
Aside from the health benefits, a new pair of sunglasses can also be a stylish accessory to complete your outfit. With a vast range of styles and designs available, you can choose a pair that reflects your personality and complements your fashion sense.
Remember to choose sunglasses with high-quality lenses and a wide frame for maximum protection. The sun’s rays are just as damaging in the winter so keeping a pair of shades to hand is a must to ensure your eyes are healthy.
The colder months can bring a greater risk of exposure as UV rays can sometimes intensify during winter.
Wearing a high-quality pair of sunglasses can help prevent sun-related eye diseases such as cataracts, which is the main cause of vision loss for people aged over 40.
Drivers should always keep a pair of shades to hand because a car’s windshield generally do not offer complete protection from UVA rays and glare. Gradient lenses and Polarized sunglasses are the two types of shades to consider when driving.
Gradient lenses: Tinted at the top of the lens to shield the eyes from high sunlight while maintaining comfortable vision through the lighter part of the lens.
Polarized sunglasses: Can minimise road glare and provide clarity in foggy or partly cloudy conditions.
Exposure is greater when outside, so it’s vital to wear sunglasses during year-round outdoor leisure and activities and exercise.
Spring into summer and make sunglasses your next payday purchase!