Importance of Sunglasses

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Is sunlight harmful to the eyes?

Yes. When your eyes are exposed to the sun for a long time, certain eye diseases may occur, among which the common ones are:

Cataracts: Studies have found that UVB is directly related to the formation and deterioration of cataracts. Unfortunately, if not treated early, cataracts can lead to blindness.
Pterygium: This is the result of eyes being exposed to the sun for too long, especially when the sun reflects from the water or snow into the eyes. Pterygium refers to inflammation of the conjunctiva and it constricts the center of the eye. It may get the eyes dry, itchy, or teary.
Keratitis: Frequent exposure of the eyes to the sun may make corneal burn. The cornea is the part of the eye that projects light onto the retina. Therefore, corneal inflammation may eventually lead to blindness if left untreated.
Eyelid Skin Cancer: The eyelids are as prone to sunburn as other parts of the body. If you are exposed to severe UV radiation, the situation is not optimistic. Over time, long-term exposure to UV radiation may cause eyelid skin cancer.

Can all sunglasses protect against UV rays?

Unfortunately, not all sunglasses are UV resistant. Specifically, sunglasses of the previous times did not provide much UV protection. Although the lenses of modern sunglasses boast UV protection, not all of them have the function. Generally, most sunglasses brands have indicated their UV protection on the labels. Most of these brands declare "100% protection against UVA and UVB" or "100% protection against UV 400".

If there is no label, you can also consult an optical shop to determine whether your sunglasses have UV protection. They will be tested in a photometer, in most cases, for free. The test time is less than one minute.

In addition, it is recommended to wear sunglasses with larger lenses, because their wrap-around frames can protect your eyes in an all-around way.

People tend to hold that polarized lenses are UV-resistant lenses. However, polarized lenses are special filters that can ease the effect of glare from reflected light. In a strict sense, not all polarized lenses have UV protection.

Do I have to wear sunglasses in winter?

Yes. But why?

Protect your eyes from glares. Glare refers to sunlight that affects your sight when the sun rises and sets. In winter glare can be very intense because the light reflects through the ice, glass mirrors, snow, and so on. So you need sunglasses to protect your eyes.
They can protect your eyes from UV rays, and thus protect you from Keratitis, Cataracts, Pterygium, and other eye diseases caused by UV rays.
They protect the eyes from wind and debris. The wind in winter may be so strong that particles are flying everywhere. Sunglasses can prevent them from getting into your eyes. In addition, the wind tends to make the eyes dry. Wearing sunglasses, you can protect your eyes from dryness and itching.
When the light is too bright, your pupils cannot adapt to such brightness and then constrict, leading to eye strains. When your eyes are strained for a long time, headache is inevitable, but all these can be avoided with sunglasses.

What else to do to protect the eyes from UV rays?

Don't be exposed to it when the sun is the strongest. In the morning and noon when the ultraviolet rays are the strongest, stay indoors as long as possible during this period.
Wear a hat. If the sun cannot be avoided, wear a hat to block the sun.
Wear UV protection contacts.