Summer is one of the most fun times of the year. With the warmer temperatures, you can finally enjoy all of those outdoor activities that your family loves. While you’re fishing on the boat, building sand castles at the beach or relaxing by the pool, don’t forget about the potential dangers that the sun brings.
Prolonged exposure to the sun can be very problematic. Most know that sunblock is a must in the summer months, but don’t forget to also protect your eyes. Polarized UV sunglasses are a must.
Why are sunglasses so important?
For starters, sunglasses help to prevent eye problems. Our eyes are very sensitive and UV rays damage your eyes. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to many eye problems, including blindness.
Thankfully, sunglasses can help you protect your eyes. You get to have full protection against the ultraviolet rays. Polarized sunglasses in particular are great because they protect your eyes from the glare of the sun. If you spend a lot of time in/on the water, then this will help you quite a lot. If you have wrap-around lenses, those end up blocking the glare and light from both the sides and back as well.
What type of eye problems can you prevent with sunglasses?
1. Pterygium
The first one would be pterygium. This is a growth of the eyeball. It’s not exactly problematic for your vision, however it can be very annoying and downright painful most of the time. You will need steroids, eye drops or surgery to deal with this.
2. Macular Degeneration
Sunglasses can also help prevent macular degeneration. This is a condition where some of the retina will deteriorate. As a result, your vision will be impaired. Macular degeneration is more serious, as in time it can lead to blindness and similar issues. UV rays can speed up the process, so wearing sunglasses will help you a lot in this regard.
3. Glaucoma and Cataracts
Glaucoma and cataracts can also appear from prolonged exposure to the sun. These can also lead to serious eye problems or even blindness in the long term. Using sunglasses will help you quite a lot as you try to prevent these problems.
As you can see, wearing sunglasses is more than just a fad. Used adequately, sunglasses will help prevent any eye problems. You also get to protect your eyes from the elements. Dust, dirt and other compounds can easily accumulate around your eyes. But if you have eye protection such as sunglasses, they will help keep your eyes safe. That will help you a lot, so try to take that into consideration.
Schedule an appointment today at Bellaire Family Eye Care to browse our selection of sunglasses and figure out which are right for you. One thing is certain, you do need sunglasses if you want to keep your eyes safe during the summer!