FIVE REASONS TO WEAR SUNGLASSES
Sunny days are upon us! Well, lucky for us, in Orange County, they never really go away, which is why we need to be extra protective of all the damages that the sun can have on our bodies. We all know to wear sunscreen, but less than 30% of us wear sunglasses outside. There are so many important reasons to wear good sun protection that you may not know about.
Pterygium
Photo taken by J. James Thimons, O.D. on https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/did-you-miss-a-spot-42467
Skin Cancer: Probably the most well known side effect to sun exposure is skin cancer. The skin around our eyes are actually extremely sensitive and can easily get damaged by sunlight. You can develop suspicious spots that can turn into much more serious, cancerous lesions not only on the skin, but also on your eyelids.
Pingueculas/Pterygiums: These funny words describe sun damage that can occur to the white part, or conjunctiva, of your eye. It will start as a growth of conjunctiva on the sides of your iris that can look like a bump or bubble, called a pinguecula. If it develops further, this growth can migrate toward your cornea becoming a pterygium and cause visual distortions. If large enough, surgery to remove it is the best option, but risk of recurrence is common. This condition is most common in surfers, which is why we see this so much around here!
Cataracts: Although cataracts are a common aging change to the eyes typically around age 60, the sun can progress these changes even faster. Cataracts cause a hazing or clouding to your vision. Some also see a yellowing or fading of colors due to their cataracts. Sun exposure can not only cause cataracts to develop earlier, but also once noticed, can cause your cataracts to develop to the point of needing surgery to remove them much quicker.
Protection: Sunglasses also help to provide another barrier to any wind, dust, snow, or other particles from the environment that can reach our eyes and cause damage. Having this extra layer between the elements and our eyes is important for our eye safety and protection of vision.
Glare: Probably the most common reason people actually do wear sunglasses is glare. The sun can be so bright that the glare emitted from it is almost unbearable to drive safely. We recommend polarized sunglasses for the most glare protection as well as a sharper, clearer image.
As you can see, there are tons of reasons, apart from the stylish design, to wear your sunglasses outside. Especially in the sunniest of places, sunglasses will be your best way to combat cancer, disease, and glare all while looking cool. Be sure to stop by our optical for some trendy sunglasses to enjoy those sunny days ahead in style!
