Why is it important to protect your eyes from the sun?

Just like your skin, your eyes need protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to a range of eye problems, including:

• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
• Pterygium (a growth on the eye's surface)
• Photokeratitis (sunburn on the cornea)

By wearing sunglasses, you can reduce the risk of these conditions and protect your long-term eye health. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time outdoors, whether sunbathing, playing sports, or just enjoying nice weather.

Benefits of sunglasses for contact lens wearers

If you wear contact lenses, it's extra important to wear sunglasses. Here are some reasons why:

1. Contact lenses don't protect the entire eye from UV rays. Even if some contact lenses have built-in UV protection, they only cover the cornea and not the surrounding eye tissue.
2. Sunglasses can help prevent your contact lenses from drying out in windy or dusty conditions.
3. By reducing glare and light sensitivity, sunglasses can make it more comfortable to wear contact lenses in bright sunlight.

Remember that sunglasses don't replace the need for UV-blocking contact lenses - the two work best together for comprehensive protection.

Choosing the right sunglasses

With so many styles and brands to choose from, it can be difficult to know which sunglasses are best for you. Here are some factors to consider:

• UV protection: Make sure your sunglasses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
• Size: Choose a style that fits close to your face and adequately covers your eyes from all angles.
• Polarization: Polarized lenses can reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water and snow.
• Color: Gray, green, and brown lenses tend to distort colors the least, while yellow and orange lenses can increase contrast.

Remember that a higher price doesn't always mean better protection - even inexpensive sunglasses can provide excellent UV blocking. The most important thing is to choose a pair you like and will wear consistently.

Tips for wearing sunglasses with contact lenses

If you wear both contact lenses and sunglasses, here are some tips to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy:

• Always insert your contact lenses before putting on sunglasses to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria.
• If your eyes feel dry, use eye drops before putting on your sunglasses.
• Take regular breaks from your sunglasses to let your eyes breathe, especially if you're wearing tight-fitting styles.
• Clean both your contact lenses and sunglasses regularly to avoid buildup of dirt and oils.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of sunglasses without compromising your contact lens comfort.

Protect your eyes, with style

Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement - they're an important tool for protecting your eye health. By investing in a quality pair and wearing them regularly, you can reduce the risk of UV-related eye damage and maintain clear, healthy eyes for years to come.

So the next time you step out into the sun, don't forget your sunglasses. Your eyes will thank you!