Why Wear Sunglasses in Summer? 8 Practical Tips to Buy Sunglasses

During summertime, the sun is in the sky for a longer time, meaning more daylight hours. UV rays are also stronger in the summer months. Speaking of UV rays, it’s worth noting that the level of UV (ultraviolet) radiation increases as the sun rises higher in the sky, which has a lot of harmful effects on our bodies. For that reason, wearing sunglasses is more than a great idea since it helps protect your eyes from the bad effects of UV rays and keeps them healthy. Read this post to know the reasons you should wear sunglasses in summer!

Importance of sunglasses in summer

Why Should We Wear Sunglasses in Summer?

Here are the top 5 benefits of sunglasses in summer and other seasons as well. 

Avoid UV exposure

Sun’s UV rays can harm your skin. These rays can also damage your eyes if exposed to too much of them. In particular, UVA and UVB rays from the sun can cause both short-term and long-term damage to the eyes and affect vision. 

As UV rays tend to be stronger in the summertime, it’s necessary to wear sunglasses in the summer that offer UV protection.

Why is it important to wear sunglasses in the sun?

Prevent sun-related health issues for your eyes

Your eyes are sensitive. If exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation, conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and pterygium are more likely to develop. 

• Cataracts and Glaucoma

Cataracts are a condition in which the eye’s lens becomes clouded, resulting in blurry vision. As per the Glaucoma Research Foundation (via yoursummerskin.com), prolonged and long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun contribute to cataracts. In addition, UV exposure may also make the symptoms of Glaucoma worse. 

• Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration

It’s a condition occurring when the macula, the small central part of the retina, deteriorates, leading to impaired vision and even blindness in some cases. Certain types of UV rays can accelerate this process. 

• Pterygium 

Pterygium, also known as surfer's eye, is a tissue growth in the corner of the eye that often has a triangular shape. Pterygium is normally not serious, but this condition can cause astigmatism and blurred vision. 

According to Healthline, people who live in warm regions and spend a lot of time outside in sunny or windy conditions are more likely to have pterygium. That’s why the cause of pterygium is supposed to be due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. 

• Skin and eye cancer

Prolonged and long-term exposure to UV rays may cause eye cancer

The skin around the eyes, including the eyelids, is thin and very sensitive to sunlight, making it so susceptible to skin cancer when excessively exposed to the sun. 

Nearly 10% of skin cancers are found near or around the eyes. Additionally, some eye cancers are also associated with excessive UV exposure. 

Protect the eyes from external factors 

Not just the sun’s UV radiation can harm your eyes. Dust, sand, wind, and even snow can also damage your eyes. 

If you love spending time outdoors enjoying activities like biking, skiing, or running, then you should wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust, debris, sand, and of course, UV radiation. 

Improve visual clarity in bright light

Wear sunglasses in summer to better enjoy the view and have good vision

Aside from protecting your eye health, wearing sunglasses helps you see better and enjoy the view better in bright light. 

By cutting down on glare and improving both the colors and contrast of the view, a good pair of shades enable you to better see the outdoor surroundings. 

Wearing sunglasses while driving, even on cloudy days, can help improve your vision and reduce glare, according to spindeleye.com. This way, you will see better and drive more comfortably. 

But, make sure that you do not wear shades while driving at night since it is not safe.

Relieve eye strain

Our eyes' pupils get smaller to let less light into the eyes in intense sunshine. Besides, the pupils open up to allow more light to enter when we go from a bright to a darker location. 

Protect your sensitive eyes with a good pair of shades

This constant adjustment may eventually lead to eye fatigue and strain. Luckily, wearing sunglasses helps relieve eye strain by reducing the need for your pupils to constrict.

Reduce wrinkles & lines

As mentioned earlier, since this item can protect your eyes and the areas around the eyes from harmful UV rays, the skin near your eyes will be exposed much less to the sun when you're outdoors. 

This way, fewer wrinkles and crow's feet around your eyes appear as you age, giving you a much more youthful appearance over time. 

Wrinkles & lines around your eyes

Promote healing & recovery 

If you have had an eye procedure done, such as LASIK or cataract surgery to correct the vision, you need to continue to wear sunglasses after the procedure to help the eyes heal. 

A good pair of shades also keeps your eyes safe from heat, wind, and debris. Don’t forget to ask your doctor for his/her opinion and recommendations on what types of glasses or sunglasses you should wear to promote healing and recovery.

Appear more stylish

Summer sunglasses are a fantastic fashion accessory! When you pair with the best sunny weather outfits and hairstyles for hot weather, you will look cooler and more stylish.

Sunglasses are fashionable accessory

You may choose eyewear that both protects your eyes and fits your style, thanks to the wide selection of designs and colors. The key is to find the product that both suits your styles and requirements. 

Continue reading to discover some factors to consider!

How to Choose the Best Summer Sunglasses?

For proper eye protection, you need a good pair of sunglasses. Below is what you should look for when considering purchasing sunglasses. 

• UV protection: Invest in sunglasses that are certified to offer complete protection against UV light. Some labels may state UV400 protection or UV absorption up to 400nm, which is equivalent to 100% protection. 

• Light blockage: Visible light transmission (VLT) is the amount of light that sunglasses allow to enter your eyes. Choose a pair that has a VLT of no more than 40%. For general-purpose use, a 20–40% VLT is the best choice.

• Coverage: Buy sunglasses with more coverage from their larger lenses, which will shield your eyes and the surrounding skin more effectively. Wraparound styles lessen the amount of UV rays that enter from the sides.

Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection

• Lens color: Darker colors reduce glare and eyestrain without distorting your perception of color. Lighter ones are intended to improve contrast and depth perception and are more frequently employed in moderate to low-light settings.

• Fit: To ensure that you use your sunglasses for the entire day in the sun, make sure they fit and are comfortable for you.

• Impact resistance: If you work outside or participate in sports, you should invest in a pair of glasses with stronger polycarbonate lenses or ones with increased impact resistance.

When to Wear Sunglasses?

Though it’s important to wear your shades on summer and sunny days, it doesn’t mean that you don’t need to wear them in other seasons.

Wearing sunglasses during summer is not enough

First off, sunglasses are necessary all year round. This is because the eyes are as vulnerable to harmful UV rays on cloudy days as on clear, sunny days. Note that UV rays can penetrate through clouds.  

Harmful UV rays can also reflect off water and snow, so it’s necessary to wear your shades during winter days and when you’re on a boat or at the beach.

However, it’s worth noting that it’s also harmful to wear shades all the time (wear sunglasses indoors and when you don't need UV protection). 

According to All About Vision, wearing sunglasses when you don't need UV protection too often may damage your eyesight in the long run. 

Protect yourself from harmful UV rays

Moreover, wearing sunglasses is not enough to protect you from skin diseases in summer season. For the best result, wear a wide-brim hat, apply sunscreen, and follow summer skin care tips to stay healthy and gorgeous all the time.

Wrapping up

Now you know that you should wear sunglasses in summer more often than you thought. Choosing sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection is a must if you want to give your eyes the best protection. Also, avoid sunglasses that don’t have or have inadequate UV protection for your eyes. We hope you found it informative and useful.