Shading Your Eyes in Style: The Latest Sunglasses Trends and Technologies for Ultimate Sun Protection
While sunglasses can certainly be a stylish accessory, and generally we want to choose sunglasses that look great on us, their primary purpose is to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of eye damage or vision problems. Choosing the right sunglasses with high-quality lenses that offer proper UV protection can help you maintain good eye health and vision. So, it’s essential to prioritize function over fashion when it comes to selecting sunglasses.
You can still find sunglasses that are both functional and fashionable, so don’t worry about sacrificing style for eye health. However, it is important to note that some sunglasses can in fact be causing more harm than good.
Why?
The darkness of sunglasses encourages your pupil size to increase, therefore allowing more light into your eyes potentially causing cataracts, corneal sunburn, macular degeneration, pterygium and ocular melanoma (eye cancer). It is also important to remember that sunglasses serve to protect the whole eye area from damaging sunlight which can cause e.g. melanoma of the eyelids. If the sunglasses you are wearing do not have a high quality optical lens with a filter for ultra violet light and CE marking then you are at real risk. Another reason why your sunglasses may not be protecting your eyes is if they do not fit you correctly or if they are badly scratched.
5 good reasons to wear and buy good quality sunglasses
There are several good reasons to wear and invest in high-quality sunglasses:
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Protection from UV rays: High-quality sunglasses with proper UV protection can help prevent damage to your eyes caused by exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This can reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.
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Improved vision: Good quality sunglasses with polarised lenses can reduce glare and improve contrast, making it easier to see in bright light and enhancing visual clarity and comfort.
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Comfort: High-quality sunglasses are often made with high-quality materials, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
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Durability: High-quality sunglasses are typically more durable and long-lasting, which can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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Fashion: Good quality sunglasses can be both functional and fashionable, allowing you to express your personal style while still protecting your eyes.
Overall, investing in high-quality sunglasses is a wise decision for anyone looking to protect their eyes, improve their vision, and enjoy the benefits of comfortable, durable, and fashionable eyewear.
Hay Fever
Sunglasses can be helpful for people who suffer from hay fever or seasonal allergies. When you’re outside during pollen season, wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes from pollen and other allergens that can irritate your eyes and cause symptoms like itching, redness, and watering. Additionally, wearing wraparound sunglasses can help create a barrier between your eyes and the surrounding environment, reducing your exposure to pollen and other allergens.
If you suffer from hay fever, you might also consider choosing sunglasses with polarised lenses, which can help reduce glare and make it easier to see on bright, sunny days. Some people with hay fever also find that wearing a hat with a brim can help provide additional protection from the sun and reduce their exposure to allergens.
So, while sunglasses can’t cure hay fever or seasonal allergies, they can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms and protecting your eyes during allergy season.
In the next of a 3 series blog Nichola will tell you about various lens types and frame styles and in the final of 3 newsletters we will do some styling of sunglasses. All to celebrate the launch of our 2023 Sun Eyewear Collection on April 15th!!
If you would like to view our sun collection please email bookings@kilcullenoptician.com or give us a call on 045-484643.
If you need prescription sunglasses you can book an eye examination here and we will guide you in terms of sunglasses suitable for your prescription and lifestyle.
For more on sun safety in Ireland check out Irish Cancer Society website