Caring for Your Eyes in Style: Why Sunglasses Are More Than Just An Accessory
All fashion lovers know that accessories can make or break a look, but when it comes to sunglasses, looking cool and trendy comes second to its ability to provide protection.
Last year, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) published a survey revealing that 38% of Canadians are unaware that inadequate eye protection can lead to eye diseases like cataracts, which are the primary cause of vision loss. The survey also revealed that younger Canadians are particularly at risk, as only a third of parents get their kids to wear sunglasses on sunny days.
Fortunately, the society’s recommendation for maintaining optimal eye health is easy to follow. All we have to do is wear sunglasses year-round. So, below is a breakdown of why sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement, as well as some tips to remember when purchasing your next pair of shades.
Sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays
This is one of the top reasons people own sunglasses. They’re a very practical accessory that protects your eyes from the sun and conditions like photokeratitis and cataracts. To get the best defense, the Canadian Association of Optometrists advises choosing sunglasses that filter 100% of UV rays. Shades with larger frames are also ideal as they increase eye coverage. Ray-Ban's Mega Balorama sunglasses, for instance, meet these criteria with their oversized ultra-wrapped shape and UV-blocking capabilities. Most importantly, optometrists state that sunglasses should be worn even in overcast weather during the cooler months because UV ratings can be high even on gloomy days.
Sunglasses can be fitted with prescription lenses
Glasses-wearers are sometimes caught between choosing to wear their prescription glasses in order to see clearly or wearing their sunglasses to shield their eyes from the sun. One way or the other, their eye health is compromised. The good news is that this dilemma is easily solved by opting for prescription sunglasses. Ray-Ban, for one, has a range of stylish frames such as the Original Wayfarer Classic and New Clubmaster that can be customized with your own prescription. Instead of making a trip to see your local optometrist, you can simply go on their website, pick the style you like best, and add your existing prescription to your order. Then all you have to do is wait for your prescription sunglasses to be delivered to your doorstep, ready for your next outing.
Sunglasses help prevent wrinkles
On days when the sun is very high and bright, we’ve all been guilty of forgetting to bring our sunglasses. Without them, we go about our day unprotected from the sunlight, squinting through glares in order to see better and exposing the delicate skin around the eyes to UV light. Repetitive facial movements in the form of squinting can contribute to crow’s feet and fine lines. Plus, UV light actually breaks down collagen and elastin fibers, causing the skin to sag and wrinkle prematurely.
To combat this, we recommend boosting your self-care routine with a skincare regimen. As we discussed in a previous post, this can come in the form of applying a face mask or eye cream at the end of the day. Pamper your undereyes with anti-aging creams like Dermalogica's Biolumin-C eye serum. While this cream is packed with wrinkle-fighting antioxidants, it’s even more effective when you combine it with proper precautions like using sunglasses and sunscreen.
Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement that makes us look cool and mysterious. They are also practical accessories that are crucial for our eye health. So, keep these tips in mind the next time you find yourself on the hunt for a new pair of sunglasses!
