It’s good to be a shady character….

Wearing sunglasses should be an essential protective measure for your eye health and wellbeing. When selecting sunglasses there are a range of benefits, both for your short-term comfort and long-term eye health, from protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays to enhancing vision clarity and even reducing the risk of certain eye conditions.

The main benefit of wearing sunglasses is the protection they provide against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of wrinkles and skin cancer around the eyes. Ensure that you buy high-quality sunglasses with UV protection (UV400). This blocks 99% to 100% of UV rays, which helps protect the eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Dark lenses do not necessarily equate to UV protection so make sure that you check with the supplier. Opticians tend to stock a better quality of lenses than high street fashion stores.

Constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to several age-related eye conditions. One of the most common is cataracts, which is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. UV radiation accelerates the development of cataracts, leading to blurred vision, glare sensitivity, colours muted and eventual vision loss if not treated. Cataract surgery is, in the vast majority of cases, a simple procedure that requires a short hospital appointment. Your optician can refer you for surgery should your vision be impaired due to cataracts. UV rays have also been linked to macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Wearing sunglasses regularly reduces the risk of these conditions and promote long-term eye health.

Another crucial benefit of sunglasses is their ability to reduce eye strain caused by bright sunlight, on reflective surfaces like water, snow, or glass, can cause discomfort and force squinting. In more severe conditions can also lead to headaches and migraines. Polarized sunglasses eliminate glare, enhance visual comfort, and reduce eye fatigue. Not all sunglasses are polarized. A quick tip: To check if they are, hold the sunglasses facing a computer screen - turn them a 90-degree angle – if they are polarized the lenses will turn black.

Dust, wind, and airborne particles can irritate the eyes, especially in dry or windy conditions. Sunglasses act as a barrier, preventing these irritants from coming into direct contact with the eyes. This is especially important for people with sensitive eyes or those who suffer from conditions like dry eye syndrome. For dry eye care, choose a product that is preservative and phosphate free and contains hyaluronic acid, which exists naturally in the eye and very suitable for lubricating the conjunctiva and the cornea.

The tint of lenses helps to reduce the intensity of sunlight, making it easier to see in bright conditions. This is particularly helpful when driving, as the bright sunlight can be distracting or dangerous. Many sunglasses come with lenses that enhance contrast, allowing you to see details more clearly and sharply in varying light conditions.

 Specialized lenses enhance the visual experience for different activities. For instance, yellow or amber lenses are often used for driving or sports, as they improve depth perception and reduce glare. This is of course more important if you wear prescription spectacles, ideally everyone should get their eyes tested every one to two years and change prescriptions in spectacles and sunglasses as necessary.

While the health benefits of sunglasses are paramount, it’s also worth recognising the style factor. Sunglasses are a versatile accessory that can complement any outfit, giving you a cutting edge while retaining functional benefits. Wearing sunglasses can make you feel more confident and on trend, whether you're strolling through the local towns and villages, or attending an outdoor event. They add a sense of style and sophistication to your look and when you choose a pair that fits your face perfectly they highlight your facial features. Sunglasses are an indispensable accessory that everyone should incorporate into their daily routine.