The sun is already pounding down, and summer will soon be here. This means that May is the perfect time of year forUV Awareness Month. We all know not to stare directly into the sun (at least we hope you do!), but that's not enough when it comes to protecting the health of your eyes.
The sun's danger comes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are three bands of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth's surface, but UVA and UVB can wreak havoc on your health. UV radiation is responsible for skin cancers like melanoma, and it also causes damage to the eyes in the form of cataracts (a clouding of the lens of the eye), macular degeneration (deterioration of light-sensitive cells, causing irreversible vision loss), and both cancerous and benign growths.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends wearing 99 percent and above UV-absorbent sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat whenever you're in the sun for long periods of time. In particular:
- At all times during the summer, since the level of UV radiation is at least three times higher than in winter
- At the beach or in the water
- Gardening or landscaping
- When participating in winter sports, especially at high altitudes
- When using medications that can cause photosensitivity
Most stores this time of year have racks and racks of sunglasses on display, but be careful when picking your pair - no all sunglasses are created equal. If possible, look for lenses that have 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. 98 percent and 99 percent are acceptable. Don't buy sunglasses that say they "block UV radiation" unless the label includes a percentage of 98 or higher.
Also, lenses should be free of distortions of imperfections. To test this, hold them at arm's length and look through the glasses while moving them slowly over a square pattern. If the lines wiggle, or if the color of the lens isn't consistent throughout, don't buy them.
Brown or grey tints are best for keeping the light out. However, even clear lenses can have UV coating. Avoid blue tints as they cause glare.
If you will be spending a lot of time driving or on the water consider getting glasses with polarized lenses. They block the light reflecting from the water or the highway, reducing glare. However, polarized sunglasses don't necessarily include UV protection, so make sure to check for both.
Picking the right sunglasses is only half the battle though—you have to know when to wear them.
- Remember to wear your sunglasses while driving—the glass in car windows doesn't fully protect from the sun's UV rays.
- Artificial sources like welding machines, tanning beds, and lasers also contain UV rays. Always wear protective eyewear around such devices.
- UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes, even though the weather might feel cooler.
- Don't count on clouds to protect you—wear sunglasses and sunscreen even on overcast days.
FAQs
Two or three pairs of premium sunglasses are sufficient for most purposes. However, the more sunglasses you own, the better, as the number of suitable frames, shapes, colours, lenses, and matching outfit choices is endless.
Why don't sunglasses look good on me? ›
That something is a conflict between the frame style and your face shape. If you don't wear glasses regularly you likely aren't aware of the importance of matching face shape to eyeglass frame style. Frames can either compliment your face shape or clash with it. Lens and frame size, also, is a big factor in appearance.
Why do sunglasses give confidence? ›
Hiding Behind Shades: The Anonymity Effect Unravel the intriguing concept of the "Anonymity Effect," wherein wearing sunglasses can make you feel less observed and judged, leading to increased self-expression and assertiveness.
Do sunglasses make you look mysterious? ›
Sunglasses can help to hide your emotions and make you into a more mysterious version of yourself. Because humans take many social clues from the eyes, eye contact leads to many connections or to many wrong assumptions than can affect relationships.
Is wearing sunglasses 24 7 bad? ›
Wearing sunglasses continuously will make your eyes strain to see properly in poor light and cause headaches.
How many sunglasses should I own? ›
The round-up. So, how many sunglasses do you really need? We recommend anywhere from 2-3 sunglasses on rotation depending on your lifestyle. If you lead an active lifestyle, it's always good to have an everyday pair, as well as a pair you might wear while running, cycling, or any other sport you enjoy.
Is it OK to not wear sunglasses? ›
Eye specialists advise that if you expose our eyes to bright sunlight too long, you are at risk of developing sun-related eye diseases. Cataracts, pterygium, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can start inflicting damage in your eyes if you don't wear the right sunglasses.
Do sunglasses make you look attractive? ›
Why are people more attractive with sunglasses? Our perception of beauty is affected by many things, including symmetry. Vanessa Brown, the senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, says that sunglasses give the illusion of symmetry to the face, making us think those wearing them are more attractive.
Does wearing sunglasses make you look younger? ›
Sunglasses with 100% UV protection block harmful UV rays from reaching the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the risk of wrinkles, crow's feet, and other signs of aging. Wrap-around sunglasses offer even more protection by shielding the sides of your eyes and reducing the amount of UV light reaching your skin.
Why do autistics wear sunglasses? ›
Many autistic people experience hypersensitivity to bright lights or certain light wavelengths (e.g., LED or fluorescent lights).
Here are the 6 cues your glasses provide to others: Honesty: Glasses can make you look more honest. Trustworthiness: You may look more trustworthy if you're wearing glasses with rims. Intelligence: People with glasses look like they read more; hence, they are more intelligent.
Do sunglasses help with anxiety? ›
Blue lenses, often associated with calmness and relaxation, have a reassuring effect on the mind. Blue sunglasses stimulate intuition and weaken feelings of loneliness, making them an excellent choice for moments of anxiety or stress.
Do girls like guys with sunglasses? ›
It is no secret that women are attracted to men with eyewear. There is something about a man in glasses that just screams sophistication and intelligence. And let's be honest, who doesn't want to date someone who is both smart and good-looking?
Why do cool people wear sunglasses? ›
Celebs Wear Sunglasses for Practical Reasons
At times they shoot for hours under the blazing sun. UV rays from the sun can damage their eyes over time or even cause blindness. Glare from bright sunlight can also cause eye fatigue, headaches, and dizziness, especially when they're on a boat or plane.
What glasses make you look more attractive? ›
MOST FLATTERING FRAMES
For women, large and bold styles draw attention to the eyes and make the face appear smaller, while rectangle and square frames offset roundness for men, creating a more masculine appearance.
How many pairs of sunglasses do you need to look at the sun? ›
Dark sunglasses let though 20% of the light that reaches them. A safe solar filter let's through 0.001%. So you would need more than 7 pairs very dark sunglasses. This is for full sun or a partial solar eclipse.
Do you need more than one pair of sunglasses? ›
A pair for every job or circ*mstance.
So don't limit yourself. Find a pair or two that are ideal for your favorite outdoor activities—maybe it's a wrap-around style that protects your peripheral vision, an extra-large pair for an air of mystery, or a sleek, fashionable pair for social engagements.
How many pairs of sunglasses do people have? ›
That being said, how many pairs of sunglasses do you own? Chances are, it's more than one. If you're like many of our patients, you have several pair, typically somewhere between three and six pairs, to be exact.
How many pairs of glasses do I need? ›
Eye doctors always recommend that patients have more than one pair of prescription eyeglasses. Not only is this for fashion purposes, but it also helps protect your vision and eyes in case your primary pair of spectacles is damaged or breaks.
