Why You Need Sunglasses All Year Round
The first reason for wearing sunglasses is that they can protect the cornea and lens of your eyes from harmful ultra-violet radiation (UVR). This comes from natural sunlight and artificial sources, and some particles are scattered in the atmosphere, so you can be exposed to UVR even when the sun is not shining. In winter you need sunglasses just as much as you do in summer, so don't put your sunglasses away in the fall. The glare from wet pavements and snow can damage your eyes as well as natural sunlight, so wear sunglasses whenever you go outside during the day, especially in the hours around noon when the sun is at its height.
In summer of course you need to wear sunglasses even when in the water and especially if you are surfing or yachting or on any type of sea or ocean vessel. The reflective glare from the sea can damage your eyesight too. The damage done to your eyes can include cataracts and skin cancer in the sensitive area of your eyelids. To have full protection from harmful UVR you should wear a wide-brimmed hat and wrap around sunglasses so that your eyes are protected from above and the sides. Floppy hats and sunglasses have practical uses as well as being a fashion statement.
Sunglasses will offer you protection from 99-100 per cent of UV rays although fashion glasses do not. These are not sunglasses. When you buy a pair of sunglasses you should check the label and see if they have a label which states that they meet your government's standards for protective sunglasses. It shouldn't matter how much you pay for the sunglasses, this has nothing to do with the protection they should afford your eyes. A cheap pair of sunglasses should work as well as a designer pair.
Also you should not think that the darker the lens, the more protection you get; this isn't so, as even lightly tinted sunglasses have the same protective features as very dark lenses. If you choose to buy a pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses, remember that you will not be able to see high contrasts clearly with them on. You should also remember not to wear the lightly tinted sunglasses while driving at night.
The good thing about buying sunglasses with polarized lenses is that they tend to lessen eye strain and eye fatigue, and so are great to wear. However whichever type of lens you choose they should look right on you. Basically you need to think about the shape of the frames and the colour of them. If you buy an expensive pair of sunglasses you will probably want the frames to go with everything, so a rabid shade of yellow or purple might not b ideal. If on the other hand you can afford to buy as many sunglasses as you have outfits, this is not an issue.
Wherever you live and whatever the climate is like there, remember that you still need sunglasses even in winter, so why not check out the ones that are available online now? You could be pleasantly surprised with their appearance, the choice and the cost.
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