218 million Americans wear non-prescription sunglasses, according to The Vision Council. Aside from improving vision on a sunny day, why is it important and what are the benefits when wearing sunglasses? Protect your eyes, and improve your health and safety when wearing a quality-made pair of sunglasses. Here are 6 reasons why it’s important to wear sunglasses.

1. Sunglasses Protect You From Sun-Related Health Issues

The damaging rays we receive from the sun can have unfortunate consequences for eye health. It’s reported that UV damage from the sun may increase a person’s risk for macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, abnormal eye growths, and skin cancer. Although these are just some major sun-related health problems, many more can occur when not correctly protecting your eyes.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a serious eye disease that is known to be one of the leading causes of age-related blindness that affects over 10 million Americans. Wearing proper sunglasses can help protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation types known to cause macular degeneration.

Glaucoma and cataracts

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, long-term exposure to the sun can damage the surface and internal structure of the eyes, resulting in glaucoma and/or cataracts.

Glaucoma is a serious group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to blindness.

Cataracts cause clouding of a person’s eye(s) which results in poor eyesight.

Most of us have experienced a sunburn at some point in our life. If the sun is damaging our skin, imagine what it’s doing to our sensitive eyes.

Surfer’s eye

Surfer’s eye is also known as pterygium and causes abnormal eye growths on the clear tissue of the eye and may spread to the cornea. These growths can be painful but aren’t usually considered serious. This is why it’s essential to think about sunglasses that block out damaging sun rays as much as possible.

Skin cancer

It’s no secret that too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer. The skin around your eyes, including the eyelids, is no exception. According to Cancer.net, 5% to 10% of all skin cancers occur in the eyelids.

Choosing high-quality sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection is essential to preventing sun-related health issues for your eyes. To get the most from protective eyewear, ensure the sunglasses you choose provide complete protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Whether you select a modern style like wooden frames or the wraparound style, ensure your sunglasses are polarized and offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.

2. Reduce Migraines When Wearing Sunglasses

Photophobia, also known as light sensitivity, triggers certain types of migraines in individuals who suffer from eye conditions or sight loss. Light sensitivity causes discomfort, pain, migraines and reduces visibility.

The American Migraine Foundation states that migraine is the most common condition associated with photophobia and between 85% and 90% of people with migraine experience sensitivity to light.

3. Sunglasses Protect You From Sun-Related Health Issues

By investing in a high-quality pair of sunglasses, you will also be investing in your experience outdoors. Whether you spend time hiking, fishing, sightseeing, or boating, sunglasses with polarized lenses will help by increasing visibility in object details, reducing sun glare, and nature’s beautiful colors and contrasts will be improved.

Additionally, when you protect your eyes from bright light, your eyesight is likely to stay healthier for longer.

4. Sunglasses Protect From Weather Elements

We have already talked about the importance that sunglasses offer when protecting your eyes from the sun, but what about other weather conditions that may be harmful to your eyes?

Sunglasses for snow

Just like the sun, the brightness of snow can be overwhelming and harmful to your eyes. Snow can contribute to what’s called “snow blindness.” Light from snow can cause burning of the cornea if you aren’t wearing proper eyewear. So don’t forget to wear sunglasses that completely protect your eyes when you’re hitting the slopes or building a snowman.

Protect your eyes from outdoor elements

As enjoyable as the outdoors may be, it’s important to keep in mind the outside harmful elements. Dust, sand, and wind are just a few outdoor elements that can harm our eyes. According to Healthline, UV rays reflected off sand, snow, and water can burn your cornea and cause photokeratitis. Outdoor elements can also cause irritation and infection when the eyes are not protected.

5. Sunglasses Improve Safety and Vision When Driving

When driving on a bright day, there’s only so much that your vehicle sun visor can offer. Polarized sunglasses will reduce the unwanted sun glare and allow you to commute safely by improving your vision. By wearing the proper eyewear, it will also reduce the opportunity of an auto accident by seeing everything around you, including stoplights, stop signs, pedestrians, and other vehicles.

6. Sunglasses Reduces Creases Around Eyes

We all want to stay young-looking as much as possible, at least I do. One thing that takes away from our youthful appearance is “crow’s feet.” Eye squinting can lead to those unwanted creases around the eyes known as crow’s feet. Too much light causes a natural response for us to squint to protect our eyes. Premium shadewear allows our eyes to relax and prevent unnecessary eye strain.

Protect Your Eyes While Looking Good

After reading this article, I hope you better understand why it’s essential to wear sunglasses. It’s imperative to invest in a pair of sunglasses that are durable with UVA and UVB protection. Charlie V’s sunglasses are designed to offer all of these benefits, plus a modern-looking style for all ages. Learn more about our stylish premium shadewear and start protecting your eyes.