We tend to buy shades by trying them out in a mirror but is that what we should be looking for at first? In a recent Instagram reel by Dr. Yokesh Arul (MD Medicine Resident), he highlights an ignored concern we could be accepting with our goggles selection. We could protect as well as fancy our eyes with this awareness and knowledge.
The ozone layer protects our body from the toxic effects of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation of the sun. The rising rate of global warming has led to massive ozone layer depletion. The skin around our eyes is comparatively more delicate and prone to damage. These radiations enter the eye through the conjunctiva, cornea, and lens and finally reach the retina. It’s obvious how all these eye structures become susceptible to avoidable diseases. This is where the sunglasses come to our rescue.
“A good pair of sunglasses is much more than a fashion statement. They are an investment in your health" says Dr. Dawn Davis, Dermatologist, Mayo Clinic.
Increased risk of skin cancer around the eyes.
Lens damage causes a higher risk of developing early cataracts.
Cornea damage causing photokeratitis.
Conjunctiva damage causes recurrent pterygium formation.
The illusion of a dark environment for the eyes makes the pupil dilated causing more UV rays to enter the eye.
Higher chances of developing solar retinopathy.
MedBound Times reached out to Dr. Jay Oswal for his insights on UV Protection Sunglasses.
Firstly, there's a difference between polarization and UV protection. Polarized glasses are not UV-protected unless they have an added layer of protection. Polarized ones are great for people who drive in the sun or by water bodies as they reduce the glare/ reflections and also improve visual acuity. UV protection is a must since excessive exposure causes early cataracts, solar retinopathy, various carcinomas on lids, keratitis, etc. So for regular use, good quality UV-protected lenses are enough. Polarized ones give that added clarity.Dr. Jay Oswal, Ophthalmologist, Aravind Eye Hospital, Coimbatore
We have a choice to get ourselves a secure vision and stay in style as well. You should check for the following points the next time you go shopping for sunglasses -
1) Size: Choosing oversized ones will provide maximum coverage against UV radiation.
2) Type: Broad spectrum 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays
3) Polarized glasses with UV protection would be the best choice for anti-glare and UV rays security.
We might opt to buy goggles from a local store or from a place that appeals to our eyes but not our vision.
We could save a few bucks by choosing such goggles but our health will pay a burdensome cost for that over time. We could compromise our fashion sense but a deficiency in our natural eyesight or developing skin cancer will not be affordable.
The awareness is better late than never. Consult with your eye doctor regularly for any discomfort and to check the progression of your eye health. After reading this article, we hope the right shades catch your eye.
By Shreya Dave