Whether in summer or winter, wearing sunglasses is essential to protect your eyes and show off your style. Fashionable frames can reflect your personality, but the most important thing is to choose glasses that offer adequate protection against UV rays. While following seasonal trends is tempting, it's crucial to remember the eye health risks associated with UV exposure.
Just as UV rays can damage the skin, they can also harm the eyes. UV eye damage is cumulative, and even short-term direct exposure can lead to long-term eye health problems. These include photokeratitis (sunburn on the surface of the eye), solar retinopathy (sunburn on the back of the eye), cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, pterygium (growth on the surface of the eye) and ocular melanoma (eye cancer). Symptoms can range from irritation and redness to blurred vision, tears, temporary vision loss and, in some cases, blindness.
Wearing sunglasses all year round is crucial to protecting your eyes from sun damage. However, not all sunglasses are created equal. Many inexpensive pairs can scratch easily and have imperfections that cause distortion. Conversely, a high price does not always guarantee better protection.
If you're not sure which pair of glasses is right for you, consult your optometrist. He or she can help you find the perfect sunglasses to enjoy the sun in safety and style. Regular eye examinations are essential to monitor the health of your eyes, maintain good vision and keep up to date with the latest advances in UV protection.