Consequences of being outside frequently without sunglasses/goggle protection
We mostly think of sunglasses as an implement of comfort and coolness. We spend hundreds to look just so. But did you ever think about the fact that sunglasses are protecting you from conditions and diseases that can damage your eye and threaten your sight? We’ve compiled facts and guidelines regarding why it is important to wear sunglasses or goggle protection when spending time outdoors.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding eye health or safety, contact your local Lafayette, Longmont, Greeley, or Boulder eye doctor today.
Damage, diseases, and conditions resulting from being outside without sunglasses or goggles
UV rays are invisible to the eyes, yet they can drastically affect them. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays without protection can cause-
Increased chance of eye diseases like:
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, thus easily damaged by UV rays. Cancer cells divide uncontrollably and can spread to surrounding tissues. There is no set cure for cancer, but there are treatments that might cure instances of cancer.
Cataracts-
Sun exposure can contribute to the development of cataracts, or a cloudiness of the lenses of the eye, resulting in blurred vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, faded colors, and, if left untreated, blindness. The only treatment is surgery.
Conditions like:
Photokeratitis-
Often referred to as a “sunburn of the eye,” it is a painful, but temporary, condition that affects the corneas. It is caused when UV rays bounce off snow, sand, water, or ice. You can experience pain, blurriness, tearing, grittiness, sensitivity, and halos in your vision.
Pinguecula-
A yellow, raised growth that grows in the conjunctiva, or clear tissue that covers your eye, that may or may not include redness, dryness, and swelling. It will not go away without surgery, but that is seldom recommended.
Pterygium-
“Surfer’s eye” is a growth of pink, fleshy tissue in the conjunctiva. It can remain small or grow in size, eventually large enough to cover the cornea. If that happens, it will affect your vision, in addition to redness, swelling, itchiness, dryness, grittiness, and blurry vision. An eye doctor will treat the symptoms, but the only treatment if it affects your vision is surgery.
In addition:
Children’s eyes are particularly susceptible to damage from UV rays
Sunglasses and goggles protect against damage from wind and debris, as well
Eye protection can help to prevent dry eye syndrome
*The only way to avoid the above diseases, conditions, and damage is to avoid overexposure to sunlight and to wear sunglasses or goggles when exposed.
How to be safe while outdoors
It would be unrealistic to expect people to stay out of the sunlight altogether, not to mention unhealthy, but there are some simple guidelines that will help you choose the right protective eyewear and avoid dangerous UV rays within reason.
Look for glasses that block 99–100% of UVB and UVA light for adequate protection
Wraparound glasses will protect from the rays that slip in through the top and sides of your glasses
Make sure that your eyewear is comfortable and practical because if they aren’t, you likely won’t wear them and they won’t protect you
Use goggles during outdoor sports to avoid UV rays, wind and debris, and damage to your eyes
Always have a spare pair nearby
Be aware that wearing dark sunglasses that aren’t designed to block UV rays can be more harmful to your eyes than not wearing sunglasses at all. Your pupils will dilate behind the dark lenses and with no UV protection, even more dangerous rays will enter your eye.
Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day, you still need to wear your shades. In fact, “90% of UV rays penetrate through clouds” and reflect off surfaces like sand, water, and snow, according to
The Conversation
.
If possible, avoid the sun during peak hours of UV radiation—from 8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.
In summary
Being outside is important for your health, not to mention the only place to enjoy many of our favorite types of recreation. While you’re out there, be sure to take care of one of your most vital senses by wearing sunglasses or goggles and following our simple guidelines.
NOTE: We are now able to provide prescription lenses housed in a frame insert that can fit within your goggles!
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please make an appointment at your local Lafayette, Greeley, Longmont, or Boulder eye doctor. The Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado has dedicated doctors and staff and top-of-the-line technology to treat you. Contact us today!
For more eye care information, read our blogs Eye Health & Screenings and Dry Eye Syndrome: What to Know.
With summer upon us and the sun shining brighter, we’re often reminded of the importance of protecting our eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses have long been hailed as a stylish and practical accessory, shielding our eyes from intense light and reducing glare. However, amidst the countless benefits they provide, a question lingers: Can wearing sunglasses actually damage your eyes?
In this article, we delve into this intriguing topic to dispel common misconceptions and shed light on the potential risks associated with sunglasses usage. Exploring the science behind UV protection, lens quality, and proper usage, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your eye health. Let’s separate fact from fiction and discover how to enjoy the sun safely with the perfect pair of sunglasses.
First we’ll look at the pros and cons to determine: Is it bad to wear sunglasses all the time?
Let’s start by debunking the myth: wearing sunglasses, when used correctly, does not damage your eyes. In fact, they play a crucial role in safeguarding your vision from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and protecting your eyes. The real concern lies in the quality and usage of sunglasses. Now let’s look at the pros of wearing sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors (whether it’s sunny or cloudy days).
The fact is, sunglasses:
Wearing sunglasses all the time helps improve your vision in bright sunlight. They reduce the amount of intense light entering your eyes, making it easier to see clearly and enhancing your visual comfort. By reducing glare and preventing squinting, sunglasses enable you to enjoy outdoor activities with enhanced clarity.
Sunglasses come in a variety of tints, offering different benefits depending on the lighting conditions. However, dark lenses do not necessarily provide better UV protection. Instead, look for sunglasses with adequate UV filters regardless of the lens color.
One of the primary benefits of wearing sunglasses is their ability to shield your eyes from harmful UV light. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause various eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer. Quality sunglasses with proper UV filters offer essential protection, minimizing the risk of these conditions and preserving your long-term eye health.
The way you wear and use sunglasses also plays a significant role in maintaining eye health. Wearing them consistently when exposed to sunlight, especially during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), is crucial. Additionally, sunglasses should fit properly and cover your eyes entirely, preventing the sun’s UV rays from reaching your delicate eye tissues.
Choosing sunglasses with high-quality lenses is essential. Inferior lenses, such as those found in cheap, counterfeit sunglasses, may lack proper UV filters, leading to increased exposure to harmful rays. Always opt for sunglasses from reputable brands and look for those labeled as 100% UV or UV400 protection, which block 99-100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Sunglasses are designed to reduce glare caused by reflected light. Whether you’re driving, participating in water sports, or simply walking outdoors, glare can be both distracting and uncomfortable. By wearing sunglasses, you minimize glare, allowing you to see more clearly and reducing eye strain. All American Optical lenses feature a backside anti-reflective coating to prevent glare from bouncing into your eyes.
Polarized lenses reduce glare by blocking horizontally polarized light, making them popular among outdoor enthusiasts. While they improve visual comfort, it’s important to note that polarization does not provide additional UV protection. So, ensure that your polarized sunglasses still have UV filters to safeguard your eyes.
The delicate skin around the eyes is susceptible to sun damage and premature aging. Sunglasses act as a barrier, shielding this sensitive area from the sun’s rays and reducing the risk of wrinkles, sunburn, and skin cancer. Sunglasses protect this area. By wearing sunglasses consistently, you not only protect your eyes but also maintain the youthful appearance of the skin surrounding them.
Sunglasses are a fashion statement that can instantly elevate your style and boost your confidence. They add a touch of sophistication to any outfit and can enhance your overall appearance. Wear sunglasses that suit your face shape and personal style, so you exude confidence and create a polished look.
For individuals who are sensitive to light or suffer from conditions like migraines or certain eye disorders, like macular degeneration, sunglasses can be immensely beneficial. They provide relief from photophobia (light sensitivity) by reducing the amount of bright light entering the eyes. By minimizing discomfort and visual disturbances, sunglasses enable individuals to engage in daily activities more comfortably.
Sunglasses have the added advantage of concealing your eyes and providing a sense of privacy. They can be particularly useful when you prefer to keep your emotions or expressions hidden. Whether you’re feeling emotional, tired, or want to maintain an air of mystery, sunglasses offer a subtle shield, allowing you to maintain your desired level of privacy.
While sunglasses offer numerous advantages, it’s important to strike a balance and not rely on them excessively, as prolonged use in dim conditions may hinder natural adaptation to darkness. Understanding the appropriate situations for wearing sunglasses ensures you can reap their benefits without any drawbacks.
When you wear sunglasses all the time, you can hinder your eyes’ natural ability to adapt to different lighting conditions. Constantly shielding your eyes from varying levels of light can make them less responsive to changes in brightness. This can lead to discomfort and difficulty adjusting to environments with different lighting, such as moving from a bright outdoor setting to a dimly lit room.
While sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV light, wearing them excessively can have negative consequences. Our eyes need some exposure to natural sunlight to function optimally and support overall eye health. Overreliance on sunglasses may reduce the beneficial effects of sunlight, potentially affecting the production of essential nutrients and hormones in the eyes.
Wearing sunglasses can restrict your peripheral vision, the ability to see objects and movement outside the direct line of sight. Peripheral vision is crucial for situational awareness, especially when engaging in activities like driving or sports. The frames of sunglasses can obstruct your side vision, creating blind spots and potentially increasing the risk of accidents or collisions.
Sunglasses, particularly those with heavily tinted lenses, can affect your depth perception. Depth perception allows us to accurately perceive distances and judge spatial relationships. Sunglasses alter the perception of color and contrast and can make it challenging to accurately gauge depth, potentially leading to difficulties with tasks that require precise depth perception, such as driving or playing sports.
Sunlight is a crucial source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and various bodily functions. Wearing sunglasses for long periods, especially during periods of prolonged sun exposure, can limit the amount of sunlight that reaches your skin and eyes. This may decrease the production of vitamin D in your body, potentially leading to deficiencies if not compensated through other sources or supplementation.
Exposure to natural sunlight during the day helps regulate your internal body clock and supports a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Wearing sunglasses excessively, especially spending time in indoor settings, may disrupt this natural cycle. By blocking the necessary exposure to daylight, it can confuse your body’s circadian rhythm, potentially leading to difficulties falling asleep or maintaining a regular sleep pattern.
Using sunglasses indoors generally does not cause direct damage to your eyes. However, it can have some potential drawbacks and unintended consequences (in addition to the cons listed above):
Reduced Visibility: Sunglasses are designed to filter out a significant amount of light, including both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light. Wearing them indoors can reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, making it difficult to see clearly, especially in dimly lit environments. This can lead to temporary vision impairment and increase the risk of accidents or falls.
Social Implications: Wearing sunglasses indoors can sometimes be seen as a social faux pas, as it may give the impression of aloofness or trying to hide something. It can hinder effective eye contact and communication, making it difficult for others to gauge your emotions or intentions accurately.
Dependency on Sunglasses: Constantly wearing sunglasses indoors may create a reliance on them, leading to a diminished ability for your eyes to adjust to different lighting conditions. Your eyes are naturally designed to adapt to varying levels of light, and excessive use of sunglasses can interfere with this process, potentially causing discomfort or difficulty in adjusting to changing environments.
Yes, wearing sunglasses at night is generally not recommended and can be potentially hazardous, especially if they have dark lenses. As we’ve discussed, when it’s dark out, sunnies reduce visibility, peripheral vision, and depth perception – all key visual elements needed for night driving. Wearing shades at night also increases eye strain and eye fatigue. In dim light, your eyes naturally work harder to gather as much light as possible to enhance visibility. Wearing sunglasses at night adds an extra layer of filtration, forcing your eyes to strain further to compensate for the reduced light transmission. This can lead to eye fatigue, discomfort, and potentially headaches.
While some specialized sunglasses exist for specific low-light situations, such as driving at night with anti-glare properties, they are designed with specific lens technologies to enhance visual clarity without reducing overall light transmission. These types of glasses are typically prescribed or recommended by eye care professionals.
In Conclusion, when used correctly, sunglasses are a valuable tool in safeguarding your eyes from harmful UV light. By choosing high-quality sunglasses with proper UV protection (like American Optical sunglasses), understanding the importance of lens quality, and using them consistently, you can enjoy the benefits of stylish eyewear while protecting your precious vision. Remember, wearing sunglasses isn’t just about looking cool; it’s about caring for your eye health and ensuring a bright future for your eyes.
If you have any questions about how American Optical lenses protect your eyes or need a recommendation, please contact us.