Today is National Sunglasses Day!

Sunglasses – we all have them. Aviators, shields, Ray-Bans, big ones, small ones, round ones, and square ones – the fashion statements you can make with the right pair of sunglasses are endless. However, in addition to looking good, sunglasses play an important part in keeping your eyesight healthy, and they should be used every day to make sure you preserve your vision as much as possible!

People have been experimenting with different kinds of “sunglasses” since the beginning of time. Even back in prehistoric times, people wore flattened walrus ivory "glasses," with narrow slits in them to block harmful reflected rays of the sun. While these days the choices of sunglasses are much vaster, they are still a key component to maintaining eye health.

Sunglasses can improve visual comfort on a bright day, especially on the beach or while driving. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare from surfaces such as water and are popular among fishermen because they allow wearers to see into water when normally only glare would be seen. 

Beyond that, the most widespread protection from sunglasses is against ultraviolet radiation, which can cause many short-term and long-term eye problems. Without sunglasses, a person can increase their chances of photokeratitis, snow blindness, cataracts, macular degeneration, and even various forms of eye cancer.

So, appreciate your sunglasses for what they are: much more than just a fashion statement to make you look good! Don’t leave home without them!

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