How and Why to Wear the Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses under direct sunlight: Large lenses offer good protection, but broad temple arms are also needed against "stray light" from the sides.

 Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Hamed Saber

Eyes are very precious and the ultraviolet radiations of sunlight may damage them. Thus it is necessary to use good quality sunglasses to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight.

As compared to winters, the ultraviolet rays become three times more intense in summer. The flow of water from the eyes, giddiness, nausea and the irritation of the eyes occur due to these radiations.

There are several benefits of the use of sunglasses.

1. Retina

The sunglasses protect the eyes from the damage caused to retina by the ultraviolet rays of sunlight and the dust particles.

2.  Cornea

The ultraviolet rays break or damage the layer of tears cells present on the surface of the eyes. This situation is very dangerous to the cornea. These rays equally damage the retina and cornea. But the sunglasses protect the eyes from such damages.

3. Basal Cell Carcinoma

The problem of basal cell carcinoma occurs in the absence of sunglasses. It is the common form of skin cancer. It occurs when the eyes come in touch with sunlight. This problem of skin cancer appears on the eyelids.

4. Conjunctivitis

The outer layer of the upper and lower eyelids is called conjunctiva. It is the sensitive part of the eyes. The problem of itching occurs on these layers due to sunlight. The viral, bacterial and allergic infection in conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis. So wear the the sunglasses that could cover the eyelids.

5. Cataract

 The problem of cataract is very common which afflicts the aged people. But cataract also occurs due to ultraviolet rays. In such condition the eye lens becomes hazy and the problem of visibility appears. The risks of cortical cataract becomes double on remaining exposed in sunlight for longer durations. Therefore the sunglasses giving protection from the ultraviolet rays should be used.

6. Precautions

Take care of the following things before purchasing sunglasses.

Remember that the sunglasses are not the objects of fashion or ornamentation.

They are meant to protect the eyes.

The sunglasses save from sunlight, dust, smoke and germs.

The use of low quality sunglasses for longer durations may severely damage the eyes.

The size of the sunglasses should be large.

The quality of the sunglasses should be higher.

They should give protection from the ultraviolet rays.

Use the sunglasses until scratches appear or the lens becomes hazy.

Take dark colored glasses as the light shades can not give protection against the ultraviolet radiations.