The Surprising Health Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses

Photo by: Bigstockphoto
Photo by: Bigstockphoto

Did you know that wearing sunglasses regularly is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep your eyes and skin healthy? And with so many styles to choose from, being healthy has never looked this good! In today’s post, we are listing down reasons why you should start wearing sunnies every chance you get:

Protection from Ultraviolet Rays

The sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays break down the delicate skin tissues around the eyes, causing crow’s feet, hyperpigmentation, and sagginess. UVA and UVB can also cause a wide range of eye problems, including cataract and macular degeneration. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 900,000 people go blind every year because of UV exposure. UV rays also cause damage to the macula lutea, the light-sensing cells of the eyes. Exposure to UV rays regularly leads to vision loss, blurriness, and cloudiness in the lens of the eyes.

When it comes to protecting the eyes from UV rays, sunglasses is your best friend. Sunglasses effectively blocks UV rays and neutralize their damaging effects to the skin and eyes. So don’t leave home without it!

Cuts Down Glare

Glare is the blinding light that gleams on any mirror and mirror-like surface. The bright light not only hurts the eyes, it is also one of the most common causes of vehicular accidents. Glare can occur on and off the road. Wearing a pair of sunglasses cuts the glare, allowing you to see through brightness without hurting the eyes. Your sunglasses allows you to see better when you drive, decreasing the risk of accidents. In addition, wearing sunglasses also reduces eyestrain from glare or excessive brightness. This way, you don’t squint a lot, relieving tension within the eye muscles. Less squinting also means fewer wrinkles!

Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one of the most common sites of skin cancer is the eyelid region. In fact, skin cancer of the eyelids accounts for 5% to 10% of all skin cancers. The eyelids are the most overlooked area of the face and are also the most delicate. Because the skin is thinner around the eyes, the eyelids are extremely sensitive to UV rays.

Wearing sunglasses each time you head outside reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. Choose a pair of sunglasses that can block more than 90% of UVA and UVB rays for optimal protection.

Decreases Dry Eyes

Do you suffer from dry eye syndrome? This condition is caused by insufficient lubrication of the eyes. Environmental factors – such as dry climates – can aggravate the symptoms and worsen the condition. Keeping your eyes protected from the elements by wearing sunglasses, helps reduce the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. The sunglasses block the wind and dust that could get in the eye.

Protects from Eye Irritation

If you love nature trips or outdoor adventures, do not leave home without wearing a pair of sunnies. Wearing a pair of sunglasses – especially wrap-around sunnies – blocks debris that could otherwise irritate the eyes. The sunglasses works double duty to reduce eyestrain and protect your peepers from the elements. Sunglasses also reduce the risk of sunburn of the eyes (photokeratitis) and surfer’s eyes (Pterygium).