Sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory but also eye protection. Sunglasses are an indispensable attribute of the summer image. Many of us wear sunglasses because of the dictates of fashion, or to look mysterious and interesting.
The main and primary task of any sunglasses is to protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation and infrared rays, and only then – protection from the bright sun. High-quality lenses block harmful radiation and allow only safe light to pass through.
UV protection
The first and main reason is protection from the harmful effects of UV rays. Long-term effects of radiation on the eyes can lead to serious consequences, including clouding of the lens, macular degeneration of the retina, and even temporary blindness.
The most dangerous for the body are UV-A and UV-B rays. High-quality sunglasses block both types of radiation, providing protection to both the eyes and the skin of the eyelids. The latter is also important because, under the influence of UV radiation, premature aging of the skin occurs.
Ultraviolet radiation is harmful at any time of the year, not only in summer. Moreover, in winter, when the sun’s rays are reflected from the snow, the eyes are doubly harmed. Therefore, you need to wear sunglasses in sunny weather in any season.
However, in order for the eyes to really be protected, it is necessary to choose high-quality optics. Unfortunately, not all sunglasses come with UV filters. If you wear a model with tinted lenses, make sure your sunglasses have the necessary UV barriers.
Otherwise, the eyes will be at double risk: dilated pupils will begin to let in many times more ultraviolet radiation, respectively, and the consequences will be more noticeable.
How do you know if your glasses have such protection? Read the label: as a rule, protection is indicated by UV and a number that determines the length of the blocked rays. UV-400 labeled glasses provide maximum protection as they completely block ultraviolet radiation.
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Sunglasses protect from a bright light
The most obvious, although not the main reason from the point of view of health, is the protection of the eyes from bright light and the accompanying discomfort. So, for example, prolonged exposure to the sun without dark glasses can cause watery eyes and even pain.
In addition to personal comfort, it is worth mentioning that the habit of squinting in the sun reduces the field of vision. This can be dangerous, for example, when you are crossing the road or driving. At the same time, the eyes squint reflexively, and you cannot influence this.
To provide yourself with comfort and, most importantly, safe conditions on the street, take care to buy sunglasses.
For ordinary walks around the city, glasses of the second degree of dimming are enough. Beach holidays require more serious protection, so choose glasses for the third degree of blackout.
The most darkened optics, which have a fourth degree of light transmission, is needed only for relaxing in the mountains or on the high seas when the sun reflects off a snowy or water surface and blinds your eyes.
In everyday wear, such optics significantly reduce visibility, so these glasses are not suitable for the city.
Sunglasses prevent overwork
In bright sunlight, the pupil narrows to a minimum size, but this is not enough to protect the eyes.
That is why we squint, straining the muscles of the eyes and face. This leads to overexertion and increased fatigue. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, it will eventually lead to headaches and may adversely affect your vision.
Thus, sunglasses allow you to relieve eye strain, which has a beneficial effect on your well-being.
What happens if you don’t wear sunglasses?
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays on the retina can lead to serious complications, including cataracts, temporary blindness, and blurred vision. The thin and delicate skin around the eyes is under the influence of ultraviolet aging faster.
If you are forced to squint, this also negatively affects her condition. In addition, the need to constantly squint leads to tension in the eye muscles, and this, in turn, can adversely affect your visual acuity.
Why sunglasses should be worn all year round
As we have already found out, sunglasses are not a summer accessory, but an essential attribute of healthy eyes in bright sunny weather. In the cold season, the sun can blind your eyes no less than in summer, which is why it is important to have sunglasses on hand.
In winter, when the sun reflects off the snow, the eyes are subjected to double stress.
And ultraviolet radiation freely penetrates through the clouds, so even in cloudy weather, your vision is under the influence of UV. For such cases, goggles with UV protection of the first degree of dimming, that is, almost transparent, are useful.
Do not limit yourself to using sun protection optics in summer, provide your eyes with high-quality protection at any time of the year!
How to choose sunglasses
First, be aware of the labeling for UV protection. Glasses with UV-400 marking provide the maximum possible protection. They block the longest UV rays and reduce the harmful effects to zero.
Second, decide on your goal. If you need glasses for the city, buy a model with a second degree of dimming. The third degree is needed for beach leisure, and the fourth – is only for mountain hiking, ski holidays, or water recreation.
Glasses with the first, that is, the minimum degree of dimming, are needed for cloudy weather.
When trying on, make sure that the glasses fit snugly on the face, but do not put pressure on it. Smile a few times and shake your head – the frame should not jump or move out. As for appearance, then it is worth focusing on your own taste and preferred style of clothing.
Where to buy sunglasses accessories and spares?
ReplacementLenses is an online store specializing in selling replacement parts for Oakley and Ray-Ban glasses. Within their product catalog are available Oakley replacement lenses, temples, and spare parts such as nose pads, screws, bridges, and more.
All items are compatible with Ray-Ban and Oakley’s glasses and can be shipped worldwide.