Use of a proper sunscreen application will protect your skin from issues caused by radiation. An extended exposure can cause adverse effects like sunburns. So is the case with sensitive eyes. Sometimes just a few minutes of direct sunlight can harm your eyes and cause permanent damages as well. It is common knowledge that one must protect their eyes from the sun, but most people ignore this advice and only wear sunglasses as a style statement.
One should carry a pair of sunglasses with them whenever they go outdoors—if you don’t have one, buy one with essential features added in brands like the carrera sunglasses.
But, how does the sunlight damage one’s eyes? What should be the preventive measure one must take to block direct sunlight? And what is the science behind the sunglasses? All these questions will be answered—just read on to understand the effects of sunlight and the benefits of wearing a pair of sunglasses.
How does sunlight affect your eyes?
Can you imagine spending the weekend with friends lying beside by the pool in summer? It is a wonderful way to relax, but you need to ensure the safety of your body. For skin, you can use sunscreen and use a pair of sunglasses for your eyes. And what if you don’t wear a pair of sunglasses during the summer?
Not using the sunglasses can cause several issues in your eyes, such as:
- Corneal sunburn
- Ageing
- Cataracts
- Pinguecula and pterygium (growth in sclera region)
- Macular degeneration (in the central area of the retina)
How do sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun?
Sunglasses are equipped with several features, and they will protect your eyes from direct sunlight and its reflection from other surfaces as well.
UV coating: This one is the essential feature of shades. Like sunscreen blocks the UV rays, this coating prevents the UV rays from damaging your eyes. Your ophthalmologist can help you pick one if you need to go out a lot; the professionals will suggest the exact type of lenses you require according to your total sun exposure time. If you are buying a pair of glasses made of polycarbonate, it usually has UV protection, so you don’t need to look for UV coated lenses specifically. You can buy this type of sunglasses from brands such as carrera sunglasses.
Mirror coating: This coating is the first line of defence to resist the UV rays from entering your eyes. As its name suggests, the mirror coated lens will reflect all the harmful rays (like a mirror) and allow only the light/rays of a specific wavelength to go through it. Hence, you can see clearly and wander in sunlight for hours without damaging your eyes.
Anti-reflective (AR) coating: The reflecting of UV and other harmful rays is what makes sunglasses the best outdoor eyewear choice. But, reflecting those lights may cause a blurred vision, and the reflection can fall on someone else’s face. If you want to evade these kinds of problems, get a pair made of anti-reflective lenses.
Polarised lenses: This type has become popular nowadays, for a good reason. If you are not a skiing or boating/surfing enthusiast, you may not have heard about this lens type. The large surface of snow and water reflects the sunlight, known as polarised light, and the polarised lenses are made specifically to block this type of light. Polarised lenses do not stop the UV rays but are best in blocking polarised light.
Using sunglasses can protect your eyes from damage caused not only due to the sun’s glare but also by other elements like smoke, dust, snow and eye strain. Prepare yourself to maintain a healthy and safe vision for years to come.