It might be difficult to imagine wearing sunglasses at all times of the year, especially on a snowy or overcast winter day. However, it is smart to don your sunglasses in summer, in winter and on most of the days in between. Why? NYC LASIK surgeon Dr. Sandra Belmont shares the top three reasons you should wear your sunglasses all year round.
1. Safeguard Against Harmful UV Rays
The sun never stops emitting harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Even when it is cloudy, your eyes are still being exposed to damaging UV rays. Overexposure to UV radiation can cause melanoma, a potentially deadly type of skin cancer that can develop in the skin around or under the eyes. UV radiation may also play a role in the development of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye diseases.
This is one reason that it is crucial to wear sunglasses even when you cannot see the sun. Not only will donning your favorite pair of shades help protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays, it will also protect the delicate skin around your eyes, staving off crow’s feet and other visible signs of premature aging.
2. Protect Against Glare
Are you curious why snowboarders and skiers wear sunglasses or goggles with a reflective lens? The reason is that the majority of surfaces, including snowy surfaces and water, reflect light. When bright light is reflected into your line of sight, your vision may become compromised. This can be dangerous when skiing — or driving, for that matter!
3. Avoid Flying Debris
The wind blows regardless of which season it is, and it often carries dust and other types of flying debris with it. If you have ever had debris stuck in your eye — and most of us have — you know how uncomfortable it can be. Not only is having foreign debris lodged in your eye uncomfortable, it can also obstruct your vision. The good news is that wearing your sunglasses is an easy way to avoid getting flying debris stuck in your eye.
Essentially, you should wear your sunglasses any time your eyes are exposed to the elements, which is most days of the year. Donning your shades is an easy way to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays, the snow’s reflective glare and debris carried by the wind. Not to mention, you will look stylish while keeping your eyes safe!
For more information about your eye health or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Belmont to find out if you are an appropriate candidate for LASIK (or another laser vision correction procedure), contact Belmont Eye Center by calling (212) 486-2020 or by clicking here.
