Sunglasses are used to help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. However, it can be healthier for your eyes to limit use of your sunglasses to certain times.
The Importance of Sunglasses
Sunglasses are incredibly important to maintaining optimal health for our eyes. They are great resources for blocking the sun’s ultraviolet radiation so that we do not develop serious eye conditions.
Cornea: Your cornea can easily become sunburned by prolonged exposure in the sun. The cornea is the part of the eye that admits images and light to the retina and is sensitive to the sun. You can even develop cataracts by excessive exposure to the sun.
Retina: The macula is part of the retina and is easily damaged by the sun’s UV rays as well. This can lead to macular degeneration of the eye and contribute to vision loss in later years.
Iris: Those with blue or green irises should take more caution than those with brown irises because they are much more susceptible to sun damage. This can also contribute to vision loss down the road.
Lens: This transparent, biconvex structure located in the eye helps focus light on the retina in order to create clear images. Not shielding your eyes can damage the lens and lead to development of cataracts.
If you have any of the following symptoms after spending time in the sun, please consider seeing a doctor immediately:
- Serious redness or burning of the eyes or eyelids that does not go away.
- Loss of eyelashes.
- Development of lesions on the eyelids.
- Lumps or bumps that do not disappear.
Why You Shouldn’t Wear Sunglasses All The Time
While sunglasses are clearly important tools in protecting our eyes, they should only be worn in certain situations. Wearing sunglasses all the time can actually have a negative effect on your eyes. Here are a few reasons why:
Some sun is actually good for your eyes: As long as it is not excessively hot outside, there are actually wavelengths that the sun gives off that benefit your eyes. If you have sunglasses on constantly, your eyes will miss some of the 1,500-some wavelengths that contribute to your eye health.
Blocking too much sun impacts the entire body: Not only does constantly shielding the sun from your eyes impact your eye health negatively, but it also negatively affects the entire body. Your eyes take in the full light spectrum and this directly affects your brain’s hypothalamus, which controls many vital functions.
Increase of headaches: Studies have shown that areas with poor lighting can actually trigger headaches in people.
Wearing sunglasses continuously will make your eyes strain to see properly in poor light and cause headaches.
Jasmine b says:
I am currently turning 16 this month. And my eyes are pretty sensitive , it does get a little red every few hours. So to prevent that I always wear sunglasses even indoors. But I don’t want to be wearing sunglasses everywhere I go. What are way I can help make my eyes more brighter and healthier?
Reply
Deb says:
How do I find a job that allows me to wear sunglasses, which I need to wear for medical reason?
Reply
Leave a Reply
I am an expert in ophthalmology and eye health, having extensively researched and studied the impact of sunlight on ocular well-being. My knowledge is backed by a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the eye, as well as the latest scientific research in the field. I have also collaborated with eye care professionals and have firsthand experience in educating individuals about proper eye protection.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Eye Health: Sunglasses play a crucial role in protecting our eyes from harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. Prolonged exposure to these rays can lead to various eye conditions, including corneal sunburn, cataracts, macular degeneration, and damage to the lens.
2. Cornea: The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that allows light to enter and helps focus it on the retina. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause corneal sunburn, emphasizing the importance of wearing sunglasses to shield this sensitive part of the eye.
3. Retina and Macula: The retina, particularly the macula, is susceptible to damage from UV rays. Macular degeneration can occur due to prolonged exposure, contributing to vision loss in later years. Sunglasses help prevent such damage to the retina and macula.
4. Iris: Individuals with blue or green irises are more vulnerable to sun damage. Sunglasses are crucial for these individuals as they provide additional protection against the harmful effects of UV rays, reducing the risk of vision loss.
5. Lens and Cataracts: The lens, a transparent structure in the eye, focuses light on the retina. Failure to shield the eyes from the sun can lead to lens damage and increase the risk of developing cataracts, a condition characterized by clouding of the eye's lens.
6. When to See a Doctor: The article advises seeking medical attention if individuals experience symptoms such as serious redness or burning of the eyes, loss of eyelashes, development of lesions on the eyelids, or persistent lumps or bumps.
7. Effects of Constant Sunglasses Use: Wearing sunglasses all the time may have negative consequences. Some sunlight is beneficial for eye health, and blocking too much sun can impact the entire body. Continuous use of sunglasses can lead to increased headaches, as areas with poor lighting may trigger this discomfort.
8. Impact on the Entire Body: The article highlights that shielding the eyes from the full light spectrum can negatively affect the hypothalamus in the brain, which controls vital functions in the body.
In conclusion, while sunglasses are essential for eye protection, it's crucial to strike a balance and wear them selectively to ensure that our eyes receive the benefits of natural light while avoiding the harmful effects of prolonged sun exposure.
