Sunglasses may seem like just a cool style choice, but they do far more than make you look great. Those fashionable frames are a remarkably powerful tool that protects your eyes, reduces strain, and keeps you comfortable in bright conditions. In other words, sunglasses do more than complete your outfit; they support your health every time you step outside.
In this post, we'll share the health and wellness benefits of sunglasses that will open your eyes to the true potential of those stylish shades.
Avoid Damaging UV Light
While that warm sunshine may feel good on your skin, ultraviolet (UV) rays can be hard on your body. These rays penetrate your skin, causing damage that goes far beyond the surface and breaking down collagen and elastin, the proteins that maintain your skin's elasticity and suppleness. As they deteriorate, your skin loses its ability to bounce back, leading to the formation of lines and wrinkles.
UV light also poses the risk of eye damage. Did you know eyes can get sunburned? Photokeratitis results from excessive UV exposure on the surface of the eye, causing pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity. Sufferers say it feels like having sand in their eyes.
Other long-term eye conditions caused by excessive UV rays include cataracts and macular degeneration. Cataracts result from a clouding of the eye's lens, and UV rays significantly contribute to their formation. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula area of the eye’s retina deteriorates, causing a loss of central vision. UV light has been identified as a significant factor in many cases of macular degeneration.
Another risk of prolonged exposure to UV light is damage to the DNA in skin cells, leading to genetic defects and mutations that can result in cancer. UV radiation can also alter genes that suppress tumor growth, allowing damaged skin cells, even skin of the eyelids, to become cancerous.
How Sunglasses Can Help
If you are going to enjoy the sunshine, sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from UV damage. But what about your eyes? As beneficial as sunscreen is, you want to keep it away from your eyes. Sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone and octocrylene can sting painfully if they migrate into your eyes via sweat.
It’s best to shop for sunglasses with good UV protection, but not all are created equally when it comes to blocking harmful light. The two most common UV rays are UVA and UVB. UVA (Ultraviolet A) accounts for 95% of UV radiation that reaches Earth. It’s present even on cloudy days and penetrates deep into the eye tissues. UVB (Ultraviolet B) is much less abundant than UVA but is higher energy and strongest at midday and in summer. It’s more often associated with photokeratitis.
Sunglasses with UV-blocking properties provide a three-fold benefit. First, they shield your eyes from light that causes eye-related issues. Second, sunglasses, especially those with larger lenses and frames, shade the delicate skin around the eyes, where applying sunscreen is not practical. Third, sunglasses reduce the need to squint in bright sunlight. Repetitive squinting can cause 'crow's feet' or fine lines that appear at the corners of your eyes.
Reduce Sun-Induced Migraines
Excessive sunlight not only risks skin damage, but it can also trigger headaches, including migraines. For people with photophobia, a heightened sensitivity to light, a common migraine trigger is bright sunlight, especially when reflected off surfaces like water or snow. Another migraine trigger results from squinting in bright sunlight. This strains the eye muscles and can contribute to the onset of a migraine attack. Additionally, the sun's heat can dilate blood vessels, potentially triggering migraines in those susceptible to vascular headaches.
How Sunglasses Can Help
While sunglasses may not be a miracle cure for all migraines, they can provide significant relief. Choose sunglasses with polarized or tinted lenses designed to reduce glare and filter out harmful UV rays. By protecting your eyes from excessive brightness, discomfort and strain that can lead to headaches can be reduced.
Protection Against Airborne Particles
If you're prone to seasonal allergies or live in areas with high pollen levels, you understand the discomfort that itchy, watery eyes can bring. Allergens such as pollen and pet dander can irritate your eyes and trigger allergic reactions, making outdoor activities less enjoyable.
Also, if you're participating in any activity that involves airborne dust or flying debris, like hedge trimming or ATV riding, it's important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. It only takes a small piece of dust or debris to cause severe damage to your eye. There are many small particles that you may not even feel in your eye, but they can still cause damage.
How Sunglasses Can Help
Sunglasses act as a physical barrier, reducing the amount of allergens and other airborne particles that might directly contact your eyes, thereby reducing the risk of these irritants causing damage or discomfort. This protective barrier can be particularly beneficial during allergy seasons or in areas with high allergen levels, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors more comfortably. For added protection, look for sunglasses with side shields. These will prevent both light and particles from entering your “eye space” from the sides.
Cut Down on Glare
Imagine yourself driving down the highway on a sunny afternoon, and suddenly the sun is right in your line of sight. That blinding glare can be not only irritating but also downright dangerous. Glare from the sun, especially during the early morning or late afternoon, can be blinding. This intense ray of light can compromise your vision, making it difficult to see the road ahead, traffic signals, and other vehicles. It's a recipe for accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
How Sunglasses Can Help
Wearing sunglasses while driving isn't just about looking cool; it's also about enhancing safety. Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare effectively. Polarization filters horizontal light waves that cause glare, ensuring you have a clearer, safer view of the road.
Beyond safety concerns, glare can be extremely uncomfortable for your eyes. Squinting and straining to see can lead to eye strain, making your drive less enjoyable. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the blinding sun but also make your journey more comfortable.
Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement. They offer many essential benefits for your health. So, make sure to choose a pair of sunglasses that provide 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. And remember to wear them whenever you are in the sun.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases that support your health. From sunglasses and sunscreen to travel and day-to-day essentials, your Visa Signature card can help you get more from what you already buy.
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Beyond Cool: 4 Reasons Why Sunglasses Support Your Health
Sunglasses may seem like just a cool style choice, but they do far more than make you look great. Those fashionable frames are a remarkably powerful tool that protects your eyes, reduces strain, and keeps you comfortable in bright conditions. In other words, sunglasses do more than complete your outfit; they support your health every time you step outside.
In this post, we'll share the health and wellness benefits of sunglasses that will open your eyes to the true potential of those stylish shades.
Avoid Damaging UV Light
UV light also poses the risk of eye damage. Did you know eyes can get sunburned? Photokeratitis results from excessive UV exposure on the surface of the eye, causing pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity. Sufferers say it feels like having sand in their eyes.
Other long-term eye conditions caused by excessive UV rays include cataracts and macular degeneration. Cataracts result from a clouding of the eye's lens, and UV rays significantly contribute to their formation. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula area of the eye’s retina deteriorates, causing a loss of central vision. UV light has been identified as a significant factor in many cases of macular degeneration.
Another risk of prolonged exposure to UV light is damage to the DNA in skin cells, leading to genetic defects and mutations that can result in cancer. UV radiation can also alter genes that suppress tumor growth, allowing damaged skin cells, even skin of the eyelids, to become cancerous.
How Sunglasses Can Help
If you are going to enjoy the sunshine, sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from UV damage. But what about your eyes? As beneficial as sunscreen is, you want to keep it away from your eyes. Sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone and octocrylene can sting painfully if they migrate into your eyes via sweat.
It’s best to shop for sunglasses with good UV protection, but not all are created equally when it comes to blocking harmful light. The two most common UV rays are UVA and UVB. UVA (Ultraviolet A) accounts for 95% of UV radiation that reaches Earth. It’s present even on cloudy days and penetrates deep into the eye tissues. UVB (Ultraviolet B) is much less abundant than UVA but is higher energy and strongest at midday and in summer. It’s more often associated with photokeratitis.
Look for high-quality sunglasses that offer robust UV protection, ideally blocking 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Research shows that substandard sunglasses can still let distorted UV rays reach your eyes, potentially causing more harm than good.
Sunglasses with UV-blocking properties provide a three-fold benefit. First, they shield your eyes from light that causes eye-related issues. Second, sunglasses, especially those with larger lenses and frames, shade the delicate skin around the eyes, where applying sunscreen is not practical. Third, sunglasses reduce the need to squint in bright sunlight. Repetitive squinting can cause 'crow's feet' or fine lines that appear at the corners of your eyes.
Reduce Sun-Induced Migraines
Excessive sunlight not only risks skin damage, but it can also trigger headaches, including migraines. For people with photophobia, a heightened sensitivity to light, a common migraine trigger is bright sunlight, especially when reflected off surfaces like water or snow. Another migraine trigger results from squinting in bright sunlight. This strains the eye muscles and can contribute to the onset of a migraine attack. Additionally, the sun's heat can dilate blood vessels, potentially triggering migraines in those susceptible to vascular headaches.
How Sunglasses Can Help
While sunglasses may not be a miracle cure for all migraines, they can provide significant relief. Choose sunglasses with polarized or tinted lenses designed to reduce glare and filter out harmful UV rays. By protecting your eyes from excessive brightness, discomfort and strain that can lead to headaches can be reduced.
Protection Against Airborne Particles
Also, if you're participating in any activity that involves airborne dust or flying debris, like hedge trimming or ATV riding, it's important to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. It only takes a small piece of dust or debris to cause severe damage to your eye. There are many small particles that you may not even feel in your eye, but they can still cause damage.
How Sunglasses Can Help
Sunglasses act as a physical barrier, reducing the amount of allergens and other airborne particles that might directly contact your eyes, thereby reducing the risk of these irritants causing damage or discomfort. This protective barrier can be particularly beneficial during allergy seasons or in areas with high allergen levels, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors more comfortably. For added protection, look for sunglasses with side shields. These will prevent both light and particles from entering your “eye space” from the sides.
Cut Down on Glare
Imagine yourself driving down the highway on a sunny afternoon, and suddenly the sun is right in your line of sight. That blinding glare can be not only irritating but also downright dangerous. Glare from the sun, especially during the early morning or late afternoon, can be blinding. This intense ray of light can compromise your vision, making it difficult to see the road ahead, traffic signals, and other vehicles. It's a recipe for accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
How Sunglasses Can Help
Wearing sunglasses while driving isn't just about looking cool; it's also about enhancing safety. Polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce glare effectively. Polarization filters horizontal light waves that cause glare, ensuring you have a clearer, safer view of the road.
Beyond safety concerns, glare can be extremely uncomfortable for your eyes. Squinting and straining to see can lead to eye strain, making your drive less enjoyable. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from the blinding sun but also make your journey more comfortable.
Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement. They offer many essential benefits for your health. So, make sure to choose a pair of sunglasses that provide 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. And remember to wear them whenever you are in the sun.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases that support your health. From sunglasses and sunscreen to travel and day-to-day essentials, your Visa Signature card can help you get more from what you already buy.
Click here or the button below to apply for a Visa Signature Credit Card with Flagler Credit Union!
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