Sunglasses are a fun accessory and can level up your basic look on any day. However, their purpose isn’t restricted to just being stylish. The level of UVA and UVB rays from the sun has increased. Make sure to practice safe sun behaviors by ensuring you wear sunglasses throughout the year a habit. Sunglasses day celebrates the importance of wearing shades and protecting your eyes. It isn’t celebrated for you to put on a stylish pair for the day but a reminder for you to make it a regular habit to wear sunglasses. Provide your eyes with the attention and care that they need.

Next time you step out of the house remember that sunglasses do more than just increasing your style quotient. Some interesting facts associated with sunglasses are:-

 Use sunglasses even when using contact lenses

Keep in mind that the area around the eyes is sensitive and needs to be protected too. The contact lens covers the pupil of the eye but the rest of the area remains exposed and do not protect the eyes completely. The rest of the area is exposed to the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Make sure that you wear sunglasses to ensure protection to the eyes and the area around it as well.

 Maximum sun exposure occurs between 10 AM and 2 PM

The time between 10 AM and 2 PM is when the rays from the sun are at maximum effect and are most harmful. Stay away from the direct rays of the sun at these times. When stepping out around this time make sure that you don’t forget to wear your glasses along with yourself. And make sure to carry your sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Young people are at a higher risk of eye damage

Young people’s eyes are delicate and have a bigger pupil. The difference between the eyes of young people and old people is that the former have a clearer lens. The risk of eye damage becomes higher for them. Inculcate the habit of wearing sunglasses in children from a younger age.

UVA and UVB resistant sunglasses are the best

To protect the eyes good quality sunglasses should be used. They should be made up of UVA and UVB resistant material. The micro sunglasses trend might be in right now but they aren’t the wisest of sunglasses you should be wearing for sun protection. Most of the eyes and the area around the eyes needs to be covered.

 Sunglasses are an all-weather thing

Sunglasses aren’t just for the summer weather but also the cloudy weather. They are an all-weather necessity. The UVA and UVB rays from the sun can pass through the clouds and can be equally damaging to the eyes. Don’t forget to wear shades for maximum protection.

(Inputs given by Nitin Grover, MD, Scavin India)