5 Health Benefits Of Wearing Sunglasses

Sunglasses are not just for keeping you looking good while you are outdoors, it protect you from a variety of health issues.  These include:

Cataracts. We have all seen or likely even know seniors who have a cloudy appearance to their pupils. These cloudy-looking vision disturbances on the eyes are called cataracts, and one of the main causes of cataracts are long-term exposure to UV rays. Cataracts can cause problems with vision, and may ultimately lead to blindness. The risk of developing cataracts can be diminished by wearing sunglasses with UV rays protection. If cataracts have already started developing, you can protect further development of cataracts by wearing sunglasses when outside.

Photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is essentially a sunburn on the eyes. It will develop after spending several hours under intense UV ray exposure, and will cause painful, teary eyes. Just as with a sunburn, photokeratitis will eventually subside when care is taken to prevent further exposure to UV rays. Prevent photokeratitis from developing on your eyes by wearing sunglasses with protection from UV rays.

Pinguecula. A pinguecula is a non-cancerous eye growth on the white part of the eye that can develop in everyone from kids to seniors. Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially in a dry climate, without protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays is at risk of developing a pinguecula. A pinguecula is relatively painless, but may cause the eyes to feel as though a speck of dirt is lodged under the eyelid. Occasionally, redness and swelling may occur. Often, the white part of the eye has a yellowish appearance, which may be a cosmetic concern.

Pterygium. Often with extended exposure to UV rays, a pinguecula can develop into a pterygium, which is a thick growth of tissues and blood vessels on the eye. This condition is caused by overexposure of the eyes to UV rays, and can lead to vision disturbances when the growth extends over the cornea. This condition ultimately may need to be corrected by a minor surgery, and may recur after surgery. To prevent a pterygium from developing, wear sunglasses with UV protection at any time when you are exposed to UV rays.

Effects of Jet Lag. Studies have shown that when you limit your exposure to UV rays during a long plane trip, the effects of jet lag may be greatly diminished. Ultimately, reducing your exposure to UV rays during the plane trip may help to trick your biological clock and help you to adjust to the time difference faster.