As the weather warms up, you might find yourself spending more time outside in the sun. To protect your eyes, sunglasses are a must!
UV Exposure and Eye Health
You’re exposed to more eye health risks than you may realize. UV rays are present year-round, yet many aren’t wearing sunglasses regularly. According to eyewear brand Maui Jim, only 80% of consumers wear sunglasses even in the summer months. Wearing sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection is one of the easiest ways to reduce several eye health risks.
Sun damage can be harmful to your eye health. It can put you at risk for a corneal sunburn, redness and irritation, and long-term effects like age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, blindness, and even eyelid skin cancer. 5-10 % of skin cancer occurs around the eyes.
People with light-colored eyes have an increased risk for developing eye diseases related to UV exposure. This is because more UV light can pass through the iris. For that reason, people with light-colored eyes may also experience more light sensitivity than people with darker eyes.
And, don’t forget about your kids. Sunglasses are also very important for children as their eyes are still developing. Sun exposure from a young age can contribute to the development of eye disease later in life.
Choosing the Right Pair of Sunglasses
While style and comfort play a significant role in choosing the right pair of sunglasses, the right lenses can also make a big difference. The first rule of thumb is always to choose sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection, but don’t be fooled. Darker lenses don’t automatically offer more protection.
Different lens tints can be beneficial for various activities. Polarized sunglasses can also help reduce glare and reflection off surfaces like water.
Larger lenses and wraparound style sunglasses also provide more coverage and help protect the delicate skin around the eyes. They can also help block irritants like allergens from entering your eyes on windy days.
Starting Healthy Habits
Sun protection is essential year-round, and UV damage is increasing within your lifetime. Wearing sunglasses daily when you head out the door is a stylish and easy way to support your eye health.
Cosmo Insurance Agency is a full-service independent insurance agency based in Hackensack (Bergen County) and Lakewood (Ocean County), New Jersey that offers an all-encompassing range of insurance options for both individuals and businesses. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating our knowledge of the insurance guidelines for healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance, self-insurance, dental, disability, and long term care insurance, we keep our clients up-to-date with affordable plans that cover all their specific insurance needs.
