Whether you call them spectacles, shades, or sunnies, sunglasses are all the rage and can impact you and your health this summer. Protective eyewear isn’t just a fashion accessory, and it can help prevent long term damage to your eyes and skin. We have put together a list of positive health benefits that wearing sunglasses can have on you this summer. Your membership gives you access to Careington discounts on prescription and non-prescription sunglasses.
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Why You Should Wear Sunglasses
- Prevent macular degeneration
- Makes it easier to adapt to darkness
- Diminishes the risk of developing cataracts
- Protection for the delicate skin around your eyes
Health benefits of wearing sunglasses
- Macular Degeneration Preventative – Macular Degeneration can be an age-related disease caused by the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Retinal damage is the most critical hazard from light, so we must block it out as much as possible.
- Darkness Adaptation – Most people don’t know that wearing sunglasses during the day can also improve night vision. American Optometric Association (AOA) studies have shown that two or three hours of bright sunlight can delay the onset of dark adaptation by 10 minutes or more. In some cases, full night vision sensitivity may not be reached for hours. By protecting our eyes during the day we can make sure we are safer driving at night.
- Lower Risk of Developing Cataracts – Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye that can cause changes in vision. Although they can be removed by surgery, we can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of developing them. Since ultraviolet light causes protein changes in the eyes, wearing sunglasses can diminish exposure.
- Protection for Under Eye Skin – The skin underneath your eyes is delicate, sensitive, and susceptible to harmful ultraviolet light. Since this area is difficult to apply sunscreen on, it is usually more exposed than the rest of your body. Sunglasses protect that area and keep you looking youthful longer.
What Kind of Sunglasses should I buy?
You might be surprised to hear that you don’t have to spend a ton of money on a pair of sunglasses to get a good amount of protection. Just be sure to look for glasses that block out 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Click here to find your nearest Careington provider and take advantage of your Altrua HealthShare membership today!
References
“Ultra-violet and Blue Light Worsen Macular Degeneration – AMDF,” American Macular Degeneration Foundation, 08-Nov-2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.macular.org/ultra-violet-and-blue-light. [Accessed: 17-Jun-2020]
“Sunglasses: Your Prescription for Eye Health,” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 15-Apr-2019. [Online]. Available: http://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/sunglasses-your-prescription-eye-health. [Accessed: 17-Jun-2020]