Most of us see our sunglasses as a sort of fashion accessory that also helps in keeping our eyes comfortable from the intense sunlight. Many don’t realize that sunglasses are so much more than they appear to be. Wearing sunglasses is extremely important in order to protect your eyes from harsh and damaging UV rays. We are aware how hazardous the sun can be for our skin, leaving behind spots, lines, and causing premature aging, and of course the biggest danger being skin cancer; however, many people don’t realize that the sun is just as damaging to the fragile organs that are our eyes.
Important reasons to wear your sunglasses this summer
Other than wearing your sunglasses as a fashion accessory or for keeping your eye’s comfortable in the sun’s harsh glare, remember these important reasons as to why you should always wear your sunglasses in the sun.
- Protect your retina
The retina is the part of your eye that takes the images you see in the world and sends them to your brain for interpretation. This part of the eye can deteriorate over time leading to macular degeneration, and eventually to vision loss. Macular degeneration has been potentially correlated with UV exposure, so be sure to wear your sunglasses in order to help prevent it.
- Prevent cancer
Believe it or not, but eyelid cancer is a thing. Your eyelids are thin and sensitive pieces of skin that are just as susceptible to skin cancer as the other parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. Frequent sun exposure can lead to this particular cancer if you don’t engage in the right protective tactics. Since you can’t exactly put sunscreen on your eyelids, make sure to protect them with sunglasses with UV protection.
- Lower your risk of cataracts
UV rays from the sun are a known contributor to the formation of cataracts. Cataracts over time can lead to blindness, although they are treatable with surgery. Make sure to wear your sunglasses in order to help protect your eyes from the formation of cataracts.
- Protect your cornea from possible sunburn
The cornea in your eye is another sensitive area that is susceptible to damage from the sun. The cornea is a clear membrane on the outside of the retina. It can incur a sunburn or even keratitis. Wearing a pair of UV-protecting sunglasses will help to prevent any damage to the cornea. Remember, you won’t feel your eyes being damaged by the sun, so taking preventative measures is of immense importance.
- Make sure you have the right kind of sunglasses
Sunglasses are not all created equal, and not just any sunglasses will keep your eyes protected. When you head over to your nearby DFW sunglass store, make sure that you are buying the ones that have at least 99% to 100% UV protection. Bigger lenses are even better as they offer even more coverage of the sensitive eye area.
- Early detection
When it comes to eye care, the best thing you can do for your eyes, regardless of taking all the precautions to protect them, is to regularly visit your eye doctor for a checkup. Catching any eye problems in the early stages gives you your best chance to not have to incur any painful procedures or permanent damage. Here at First Eye Care DFW, our patients are our top priority. If you have any questions about eye care or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today.