We are in spring-prep mode and there’s so much to get done. We’re spring cleaning, shopping for warm weather clothes, and planning exciting summer vacation trips. But, there’s one thing you should check on before you go off camping or vacationing this summer: sunglasses.
Now is a great time to get used to bringing sunglasses with you, and wearing them when you’re outside in the bright sun. Keep reading to learn why you should be incorporating sunglasses into your daily look this summer.
Essentially, long term exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays can cause eye damage down the road. And, to make it worse, squinting from the bright sun in your eyes can cause premature wrinkling that makes you look older. But, before you decide you need expensive sunglasses or grab a quick pair at the gas station and call it a day, you should know the best feature to look for to keep your eyes healthy.
UV Protection
This is the ultimate requirement for the sunglasses in your life. If you have old sunglasses and don’t remember if they had UV protection incorporated, consider upgrading, especially if you bought them on the pier on vacation or at a gas station. They may look cool, but that doesn’t mean they’re helping protect your eyes from damaging rays. UV exposure can cause problems like sunburn, skin cancer, and damage to your eyes that can lead to serious conditions later in life. A good rule of thumb is when you think you need sunscreen, you probably also need to be wearing sunglasses.
You’ll need sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. These are the two types of UV rays that come from the sun. In smaller amounts, they can be good for us. In fact, we need sunlight to get vitamin D. But, like many things, too much can be harmful. Or, the percentage is the poison. When eyes experience excessive exposure to UV light, it can lead to cataracts among other problems. Excessive sunlight may even destroy the retina over the long term.
Your eyes will thank you for taking care of them now. Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend millions of dollars to get quality sunglasses. If you’re not sure what you need, get in touch with us to learn more. Give us a call at (847) 677-2794 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sondheimer today.