Our planet, and the life on it, exists with the help of the Sun. This yellow dwarf provides light, energy and warmth for all of us. But, it can also be dangerous if we stay out in it too long, or look directly into it. To continue enjoying the sunny days we get, we apply sunscreen and put on a pair of sunglasses. If you go to a local store, you may be able to find both of these products for a cheap price. However, don’t be fooled by the “comfort” of those cheap sunglasses.
Protection
Consider the comfort of what you wear on a regular basis. Sure it’s easy to slip on a pair of flip flops and head for the beach, but if you’re out on a rigorous hiking adventure, you’re going to want something more protective. The same goes for your eyes. Not only do sunglasses provide protection against the Sun’s rays, they also protect them from debris. Even if the Sun is hiding behind clouds, all it takes to ruin your afternoon stroll is a quick breeze to the face from around the corner filled with who-knows-what off the street. Think of sunglasses as a kind of shield.
How Light Affects the Eye
When you crawl out of bed in the morning and the curtains are still closed, it’s hard to see where the light switch is. After your eyes adjust to the darkness, you finally find it and flip the switch, the light shines into your face and you close your eyes again. This is because your iris had dilated your pupils to let light in when the room was dark. As the light turned on, your pupils began letting in a lot more light. To compensate for this, your iris reduces the size of your pupils to protect your eye from excessive brightness.
What to Wear
If you’re planning a beach trip, but don’t own sunglasses, you may be planning on picking up a pair. No one can enjoy the sandy terrain and salty breeze while squinting from the sun. There are tons of options available: gas stations, big department stores or a local optical – but consider the lenses. If they do not protect against UV light, you’re actually allowing more of it to pass into your eye. This can be very damaging to your retinas. So, when deciding what kind of sunglasses to buy for long walks or visits to the beach, invest in a good pair of lenses. Your eyes are important – you only get one pair.
Takeaway
Consider the health of your eyes the same way you would the rest of your body. Eyes need protection from the sun similar to your skin. And, just as you would wear a jacket on windy days, wear a pair of sunglasses. Most importantly, don’t forget to invest in a good pair of lenses that will keep your vision protected.