Why Are Sunglasses Important?

Go anywhere outdoors and you are bound to see people wearing sunglasses. Sure sunglasses look cool, but are there benefits beyond that? Yes there are! Sunglasses are actually important for the health of the eyes!

Let’s talk about the sun. The world as we know it today wouldn’t exist without the sun. The sun bathes us in light allowing nature to flourish and heat to prevent our world from freezing over. Chemical reactions occurs on the surface of the sun that release this light energy. But not all the energy from the sun is visible. Energy can be transmitted in longer non-visible wavelengths such as radio waves. Energy can also be transmitted in shorter non-visible wavelengths such as ultraviolet waves. Shorter waves like ultraviolet can pass through and damage objects such as our skin causing sun burns.

These shorter waves are also problematic for the eyes as well. Too much ultraviolet light can speed up the development of cataracts, can cause the development of pterygiums and can potentially cause problems with the retina in the back of the eye. While small amounts every now and then won’t cause much issue, over time the damage from ultraviolet light can build up.

But fortunately a good pair of sunglasses can prevent all of this from happening. Good sunglasses block ultraviolet light from reaching the eyes in the first place to keep your eyes healthy as you enjoy the great outdoors!

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