There’s a good reason why sunglasses were invented – and no, it’s not just to look cool. Sure, you’ll get more appreciative looks when you wear some sleek shades (and you’ll be able to sneak glances back unnoticed, too), but really, that’s not the point at all. It’s all about your own well-being, and you should never underestimate the power of the sun when it comes to your health. We need the sun (for vitamins, for one thing), but at certain times those potentially dangerous rays should really be avoided. Ever wonder what good sunglasses really do for you? Here are the key health benefits of sunglasses you should know about.
Yes, cancer is real
It’s a disease we know we understand, but can’t prevent yet. We know it’s related to several factors, and one of them is exposure to harmful rays. Here’s a fact: up to 10% of all cancers are found on the eyelids – and this in itself is more than reason enough to protect your eyes from the dangerous radiation that’s out there.
Avoid cataracts
UV exposure doesn’t just cause cancer – it’s also a leading cause of cataracts. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 900,000 people are suffering from cataracts because of the sun. This can – and should – be avoided. You now know how.
Photokeratitis
In essence, it’s a less serious sunburn of the eye, caused by exposure to the sun. It may last up to 48 hours, but it can be painful and sufferers report blurred vision, light sensitivity, and the feeling of dirt or dust in the eyes.
Macular degeneration
Your eyes are very light sensitive, and over-exposure may lead to loss of sensitivity – which could result in blurred vision and permanent damage of the macula lutea.
Pterygium
Also caused by the sun, this problem is common to surfers. It causes an abnormal growth in the eye, and could lead to disturbance of vision and inflammation.
Here’s one thing you have to remember when it comes to buying the right sunglasses, though – and it’s an important thing: never buy cheap, and make sure the sunglasses say what the manufacturer says it does, as Oakley sunglasses prove. Cheap sunglasses may block out some of the light, but that’s not enough. They have to block out many more rays that those are found in the visible spectrum. Your pupils dilate when your eyes are shaded, exposing more of your eye. If the sunglasses are not designed to block out the harmful rays, your eyes may actually sustain more damage than if you weren’t wearing the cheap versions at all. It’s about science; not just about comfort. It’s about health and it’s about being healthy.
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