Why Should We Wear Sunglasses on Cloudy Days?
Wear sunglasses even on cloudy days to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Don't forget to buy a pair of sunglasses the next time you go shopping for sunscreen. Because both products can protect you from the sun's UV rays.
Dianna Scldomridge, a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a trainee ophthalmologist at Duke University, said: “Sunglasses shouldn't just be worn on sunny summer days.There are uv rays all year round, including cloudy days.” "It's very important to protect your eyes around the clock," she said.
So what are the dangers of not wearing sunglasses?
Cataracts, growths and some cancers are directly linked to uv exposure.
Most people are probably more aware of the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure on unprotected skin than the risk to the eyes. The potential risks are the same, says Albert Jun, an ophthalmologist. In human tissue - whether it's the skin or the eyes - "uv light triggers oxidative stress in those areas," he says. These reactions are found in aging as well as in disease.
Cataracts occur with age - the lens of the eye becomes gradually cloudy. They can blur or double your vision and cause night blindness. When vision is severely impaired, surgery is needed.
According to Jun, cataracts develop slowly. "A 40-year-old can have cataracts, but they don't affect his vision. Fifty percent of white Americans have cataracts by the age of 70.” Hispanics and AfricAn-Americans have lower rates, at 45 percent and 40 percent, respectively, according to the National Eye Institute.
Age is the main risk factor, while exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays is another major factor, according to the study."Exposure to UV can increase your risk of developing cataracts later in life or at a younger age, "Jun says. In other words, you might develop cataracts in your 40s or 50s, not in your 70s or 80s.
People who live near the equator or at high levels are at higher risk. "These include regional sensitivity and genetic susceptibility, "Jun says. Other risk factors for cataracts include smoking.
In addition, there is some evidence that UV rays have a greater impact on the eyes of children and people in their 20s. Public health messages to protect the eyes from the sun are appropriate for people of all ages, but perhaps they should be fed to younger people.
Other eye conditions have also been linked to UV exposure, including cancerous growings called conjunctival macular and pterygium. The former produces yellow spots in the white of the eye, while the latter, also known as surfer's eye, is a fleshy growth that spreads to the cornea and affects vision. These growths have been linked to uv exposure, as well as frequent exposure to dust and high winds.
Age-related macular degeneration is associated with uv exposure, but the evidence for this relationship is weak. Sckomridge said the data was "very complex."
Damage from sunlight and uv rays can accumulate, Sekdomridg says. "It's a lifetime risk," she says.She advises parents to teach their children to wear sunglasses and hats when they go outside.
Look for sunglasses labeled with full UV protection such as the "UV400, "which means they can block light at wavelengths up to 400 nanometers (including UVA and UVB rays).
"Darker lenses don't necessarily provide more protection. The color of the lens doesn't matter, 'Seldomridlge said, adding that what matters is whether they are labeled for UV protection. When it comes to UV protection, sunglasses won't suffer from UV wear unless they're damaged or scratched, she says.
Given this range, "I tell all my patients; "Large sunglasses or wrap-around sunglasses are the best choice, "Seldomridge says. Greater coverage means less light gets in, and therefore more protection.
Are there alternatives to sunglasses? How about a baseball cap?"Socks and ball caps provide some protection, but sunglasses are better, "Jun said. He suggests wearing sun limiting glasses when you're outside doing yard workIn addition to UV protection, you can also protect your eyes from lawn mowers or debris from tree branches. The windshield of your car blocks uv rays, but the door Windows do not.In fact, some studies suggest that cataracts are more common in the left eye than the right, probably because of light exposure while you're driving. So put on your sunglasses. Not only for fashion, but also for your eye health.
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