Taking care of your eyes is always important, but in summer, when there is so much light, protecting them becomes essential
Glamour and sexy, they immediately return a mysterious and interesting face, but sunglasses are always important to defend the eyes and even more during summer months when, thanks to the pleasant temperatures and holidays, the possibility of spending time outdoors increases considerably.
You do not see them, but they are there: ultraviolet rays are very important, fundamental for the health of our bones, for example, but also responsible for our tanning. However, they can also be very harmful to our eyes if subjected to prolonged exposure to UV rays. For example, among the many ailments, being in the sun so much without protection can cause or accelerate diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration (maculopathy) and pterygium, i.e. the abnormal growth of the membrane that covers the eye and which can even cover the cornea.
Dark lenses, always: they can be annoying, especially if we are talking to someone in front of us or driving between tunnels, or when we practice some sport. Sunglasses with dark lenses, however, are essential to avoid painful annoyances: dark lenses, in fact, protect us from dry eyes, inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea due to solar radiation. If we are on the beach, the wind and sand can irritate our eyes further, causing redness and itching, so we must defend ourselves adequately.
They are not all the same: choosing the right sunglasses for your eyes is not just a matter of fashion. On the contrary, there are objective factors to take into account when choosing them: we opt for glasses with a wide frame, even better if with a mask, to increase protection; if we have visual defects, in addition to normal prescription glasses, we buy sunglasses with graduated lenses. Color also has its importance: myopic people should prefer dark brown lenses, while for hypertrophy the ideal color is grey-green.
In defense of our kids: children, especially if they have light-colored eyes, are at greater risk: that’s why they should only choose lenses of the highest quality. For the elderly, we opt for photochromic lenses, which darken or lighten depending on the intensity of the light. It is essential to contact only specialized optical centers, checking the CE marking on the frame and the number of the sun filter category of the lens and the type of filter on the packaging. Don’t mess with your eyes.
Not just glasses: taking care of your eyesight is not difficult or complicated. There are only a few measures that can be taken to protect the eyes, and they are within anyone’s reach. First of all, remember to always bring with us a hat with a visor, light and trendy; to shield the eyes with sunglasses, beautiful and fashionable; to use dark lenses even in the shade and when the sky is cloudy: UV rays are treacherous, they pass anyway.
Go to the pharmacy: in case of red and sore eyes, an excellent remedy is artificial tears, humectant drops that give immediate relief after application. There are many of them on the market and they are often also available in supermarkets. If pain, itching and redness persist for one or two days, it is always better to undergo an eye examination.
Some Good Reason to use your sunglasses
Sunglasses are an increasingly popular accessory. And in plain sight! Sunglasses, among many colors, shapes and materials, immediately give character and personality to our clothing.
But the “fashion factor” is certainly not the only benefit of wearing a pair of sunglasses. First and foremost, sunglasses have a very important protective function against UV rays.
A pair of good lenses protect our eyes from a number of dangerous problems and are our best allies against harmful radiation from the sun. For young and old, both in winter and summer.
Read on to find out what features a good pair of glasses should have and why branded sunglasses are more expensive but also more protective.
Sunlight can cause serious eye problems:
Just like our skin needs to be protected by clothing and sunscreen, our eyes need good protection because sun radiation can cause fatal consequences for the cornea and retina.
When too much unfiltered sunlight reaches our eyes, especially at an early age, important diseases can arise that can lead to complete blindness or cancer.
Remember: Adult’s lens can absorb up to a percentage of UV light, blocking access to the inside of the eye.
Children’s eyes, on the other hand, are particularly vulnerable. During the first year of life, 90% of UVA rays and over 50% of UVB rays can penetrate the retina. Between 10 and 13 years of age, 60% and 25% respectively. It is only from the age of 18-20 years that the lens begins to filter UV rays to a greater extent.
Below, you will find an overview of the most common eye disorders caused by sunlight:
Cataract:
Cataracts are a natural degeneration of lens of the eye. It is one of the most common causes of vision degeneration in individuals over the age of 40 and the leading cause of blindness worldwide. In addition to age, one of the triggers of cataracts is ultraviolet radiation. To prevent this problem, it is important to use sunglasses that are able to block 100% of UV rays. It is important to remember, however, that the use of sunglasses alone is not in itself a complete prevention of cataracts, as this disease can also be triggered by a number of physiological factors.
Macular degeneration:
We speak of macular degeneration when the central portion of the retina, called the macula, deteriorates. The retina is the light-sensitive nerve tissue located in the back of the eye. This usually does not lead to blindness but can still cause serious vision problems. Numerous studies suggest that exposure to the sun may be a risk factor for macular degeneration and that the color of the iris or the sun sensitivity of each individual’s skin may also affect it.
Eye cancer:
Most types of melanoma affect the skin, but some can develop on other parts of the body, including the eyes. Eye cancer (ocular melanoma) usually develops in the cells that produce the pigment that gives color to our eyes. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can increase the risk of melanoma in the conjunctiva, on the surface of the eye.