5 reasons to put that ‘kaala chashma’ on before stepping out in summer heat!

Bold and classy, sunglasses are a fun accessory to look polished, but they also help us feel comfortable in bright sunlight. However, what is more important to remember is wearing good quality sunglasses in summer. They help protect our eyes from exposure to harmful Ultraviolet radiation. Sunglasses are proven to prevent damage to the eyes in the long run.

To know why it is essential to wear sunglasses in summer, Health Shots spoke to Dr Prem Kumar Singh, MOpt, senior consultant, orthoptics and binocular vision, Head of Optometry Sciences at Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital.

Dr Singh lists following reasons one should wear sunglasses in summer:

1. Long-term exposure to the sun can increase the chances of cataracts and can also worsen the symptoms of Glaucoma, dry eye or even the retina can be damaged resulting in vision loss. Putting on sunglasses may prevent these eye problems from rising up.
2. Wearing sunglasses in summer may prevent a lot of eye cancers that are UV exposure-related.
3. Sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection can help in reducing the risk of cataracts or any glaucoma complications.
4. One can be prone to sun exposure while lying by the pool, driving the car, going for a walk, going to school or office. Therefore, wearing proper sunglasses can block and prevent the eyes from UV rays.
5. We all go outdoors, working and traveling which leads to exposure to particles such as dirt, pollutants and sand. They can cause irritation, discomfort and redness in the eyes. Sunglasses can prevent such particles from entering our eyes.

One might find the above information useful about wearing sunglasses in summer to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy during summer.

What to look for before buying sunglasses in summer?

If you are someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, polarized lenses would be a great choice for your next pair of sunglasses. Polarized lenses contain a laminated filter that allows vertical light to pass through but blocks the horizontally oriented light. They help in eliminating the glare, whether it is coming directly from the sun, from the water or even snow. Round up on sunglasses with higher UV protection.

“Typically, polarized lenses will also have built-in UV protection which is extremely important in a pair of sunglasses,” says Dr Singh, who is the head of education committee at Indian Optometry Association.

Benefits of wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses:

The additional benefits of polarized lenses include clearer vision without glare, improves contrast and visual clarity, reduces eye strain while working outside and allows for the true perception of colors that one may have not been getting with regular sunglass lenses.

Disadvantages of wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses:

One of the disadvantages of polarized lenses is that they are typically more expensive than normal lenses. They make it difficult to look at LCD screens and are not meant for nighttime.

All of these reasons make it clear that using proper sun protection for your eyes is crucial for optimal eye health and vision. Wearing sunglasses keeps us safe while looking trendy and chic. However, not all sunglasses provide the same level of protection. Sunglasses with polarized lenses and higher UV protection should be preferred. Stay stylish and care for your eyes!