Put Those Shades On! 11 Key Benefits of Sunglasses
The global eyewear market is projected to hit over $210 billion by 2025. Considering that sunglass sales are included in this figure, it’s no wonder. After all, the benefits of sunglasses have had people picking up a stylish pair each year for decades now.
Sunglasses can improve the health of your eyes and help prevent some of the nastier eye diseases and disorders that happen as you age. Yet, that’s not all. A pair of stylish shades can amp up your wardrobe, improve the look of aging skin, and even improve your visual experience.
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t put much thought into what your sunnies do for you. That’s why we’re bringing you this guide to the top benefits of wearing sunglasses.
Curious about why you should wear sunglasses this year? Then check out this article for the 11 reasons you need to know.
1. Lessen the Risk of Some Skin Cancers
5-10% of all cases of skin cancer occur on the eyelids. Too much exposure to UV rays is the predominant cause of eyelid skin cancer. Experts recommend wearing sunglasses to prevent exposure to harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of developing eyelid cancer.
2. Prevent Cataracts
30% of people aged 65 or older have cataracts in one or more eyes. This condition causes partial or total loss of vision.
While the majority of cataracts cases are due to aging, scientists have found a link between long-term exposure to UV rays may increase the risk for or worsen the symptoms of cataracts.
Luckily, sunglasses can help. Make sure to choose a pair with full UV filtering for the ultimate protection during long days outdoors.
3. Reduce Macular Degeneration
When the retina begins to deteriorate with age, physicians call it macular degeneration. In the beginning stages, this can cause blurred vision before progressing to full-on blindness.
The good news is reducing exposure to certain types of UV rays can prevent worsening this condition. Grab a pair of shades next time you head outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun.
4. Slow the Progression of Pterygium
Pterygium may not be a big deal, but it can cause pain and irritation. Also known as Surfer’s Eye, this condition is a physical growth on the eyeball.
Experts suggest that pterygium is especially caused by UV rays that escape during overcast days. That’s right: make sure you grab your sunglasses even when it isn’t sunny to combat the symptoms of the pterygium.
5. Prevent Photokeratitis
Did you know you can get a sunburn on your eye? It’s true and, while this condition does go away after a couple of days, repeated photokeratitis can lead to complications. An easy fix is throwing on a pair of sunglasses after lotioning up for a day at the beach or in the sun.
6. Protect Eyes from the Elements
Sand, dust, wind, and snow can do some serious damage to your eyes. When stirred up by the wind, sand and dust can get into your eye and cause irritation. Meanwhile, packed snow has been known to reflect high amounts of UV rays and cause photokeratitis.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack your sunnies when you’re headed into the great outdoors. Even if it’s overcast or raining outside, a pair of shades is invaluable to promoting your eye health.
7. Help Eyes Heal after Lasik
More than 700,000 Lasik eye surgeries are performed every year.
After the procedure, your health care provider will likely recommend sunglasses to reduce irritation and pain. Continuously wearing sunglasses even after your recovery period can further reduce your risk of complications after surgery.
8. Confer Improved Vision
Polarized lenses don’t just protect your eye health. They can also make the world around you appear more sharp and clear. With a pair of polarized sunglasses, you can see sharper, clearer, and with more vibrant colors.
9. Reduce Headaches and Migraines
80% of people who get migraines also have photophobia. What does that mean? People who are sensitive to light are more prone to migraines and vice versa: one of the symptoms of migraines and headaches is light sensitivity.
The good news is you can reduce your chances of getting a migraine by wearing sunglasses. For most people, the darker the lenses the better.
Some research suggests that pink or purple-pink lenses confer the best defense against light sensitivity. While shopping for the perfect pair of sunglasses, try to find lenses in the shade FL-41 to try this hack for yourself.
10. Lessen Wrinkles Around the Eyes
Your mother has probably told you before that squinting in the sunlight will cause wrinkles. Crows feet are often caused by smiling, but squinting in bright light can worsen them. Next time, choose a cute pair of shades to prevent wrinkling around the eyes.
11. Add Style to Your Wardrobe
Sunglasses are a staple for any stylish wardrobe. From a colorful pair of sunnies at the beach to a dark pair of shades on the streets, throwing on a pair of sunglasses can spice up an otherwise plain outfit. To discover how to choose the perfect sunglasses to suit you, read more now!
The Bottom Line on the Benefits of Sunglasses
Sunglasses are vital for healthy eyes as you age. Yet, the benefits of sunglasses extend further, improving the look of aging skin and adding style to even the simplest of outfits. So, what are you waiting for: pick out the perfect pair of sunglasses for you!
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