Happy National Sunglasses Day! On June 27, grab your favorite pair of sunglasses and celebrate protecting your eyes in style. While sunglasses are often seen as a fashion accessory, they’re much more than that. They’re an essential part of maintaining your eye health and safeguarding your vision.
Why Sunglasses Are Important
Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about looking good or blocking glare while driving. The primary reason to wear sunglasses is to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light.
UV Protection for Your Eyes
UV light can damage every part of your eyes, from the delicate outer eye tissue to the tiny internal structures. Chronic exposure to UV rays increases your risk of developing serious eye conditions like:
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Corneal damage
Beyond the eye itself, UV exposure can also affect the skin around your eyes. The skin on your eyelids is the thinnest skin on your body, and repeated sun exposure can cause it to thin, leading to premature aging, dark circles, and under-eye bags. Wearing sunglasses helps prevent these issues and even reduces the formation of wrinkles because you won’t be squinting as much in the sun. Who knew that sunglasses could be part of your anti-aging routine?
Protection After Eye Surgery
For those who’ve recently had eye surgery, like LASIK or wear contact lenses, UV protection is especially important. UV light can slow down the cornea’s ability to heal itself, making sunglasses a medical necessity during recovery. If you wear contacts, sunglasses help prevent irritation and keep your eyes protected from external elements.
National Sunglasses Day Activities
Looking for ways to celebrate National Sunglasses Day? Here are a few fun ideas to enjoy:
- Sport your favorite pair during outdoor activities like a barbecue, concert, or a day at the park.
- Gift a pair of quality sunglasses to a friend, spouse, or child.
- Share a photo of yourself rocking your sunglasses on social media with the hashtag #NationalSunglassesDay.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, be sure to keep your eyes protected from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Protect Your Eyes Year-Round with the Right Sunglasses
While National Sunglasses Day is a fun reminder to wear your sunglasses, it’s important to make eye protection a daily habit. Whether you’re driving, hiking, or spending time outdoors, wearing the right pair of sunglasses can go a long way in keeping your eyes safe.
If you’re looking for blue light protection from digital screens or eye care solutions, our team at Eyes on Group can help. Schedule an eye exam today and ensure your eyes are well taken care of, whether you’re wearing sunglasses or contact lenses.
FAQ with Our Optometrist
Should kids wear sunglasses?
Yes! Children of all ages should wear sunglasses whenever they’re outside. Kids’ eyes are more vulnerable to UV rays because their crystalline lenses are clearer, letting more light in. Protecting their eyes from a young age can help prevent long-term damage.
Can sunglasses block blue light?
Sunglasses with lenses that have a yellowish tint offer the most blue light protection from the sun and other sources. If you’re looking to block blue light from your digital devices, speak with us about specialized computer glasses.