The Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses

The benefits of wearing sunglasses go beyond the issue of simply looking fashionable. Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation, the sun’s glare and have recently been shown to reduce the effects of jet lag!

In this feature we discuss the main benefits of wearing sunglasses from both a health and style perspective.

Health Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses

In recent years scientists have discovered that the sun’s UV rays can be very harmful to our eyes. Indeed, UV light can apparently increase the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts. This is because ultraviolet light can damage your eye’s retina and cornea. As good quality sunglasses block out UV light it is recommended that you wear them when it is sunny.

According to experts, wearing sunglasses on sunny days also offers a benefit of improved vision at night. For optimum protection they advise wearing sunglasses that are 100% UV absorbent.

Wearing sunglasses when the sun is shining also has a comfort benefit in that it keeps the bright light out of your eyes thereby helping you to see properly. If too much light enters your eyes the iris closes causing you to squint which can be uncomfortable and does not prevent harmful light coming into your eyes.

For this purpose, choose sunglasses with large lenses and that are sufficiently tinted. Polarised sunglasses also benefit the wearer by cutting down on the sun’s glare so that he or she can see more easily. Polarised lenses work by filtering out reflected light using vertical polarisers that are built into their lenses.

In addition to cutting down on the amount of UV light entering your eyes, a new benefit to wearing sunglasses has recently been discovered.

According to scientists at the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, wearing sunglasses on long plane journeys can actually reduce the effects of jet lag.

The body’s internal clock is affected by light and it seems that by wearing sunglasses on plane journeys, people can help their body clock adjust to new time zones.

Style Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses

As every Hollywood movie icon knows, wearing sunglasses is cool!

With the wide range of designer sunglasses now on offer at affordable prices, it is easy for everyone to acquire a piece of Hollywood glamour.

Wearing sunglasses can also really jazz up an outfit and help accentuate your best features.