Sunglasses are an essential part of most people’s wardrobes and are often thought of as a must-have accessory. But, in reality, they are much more important than just a fashion staple: they offer very important protection for our eyes, and absolutely everybody should be wearing them. 

So now that we have established that a pair of sunglasses is an important asset for our eye health, how do we choose the right ones? What are they protecting us from and what are the characteristics of a proper pair? Read on to learn more about the importance of sunglasses and how to make sure you have the right sunglasses to protect yourself. 

Health benefits of sunglasses 

Many people are aware that the sun’s harmful rays are damaging to our skin. However, many don't realise that the sun is also harmful to our eyes. Ultraviolet or UV rays can cause a broad range of eye problems, including cataracts, macular degeneration and tissue growth on the eyeball called pterygium. As a matter of fact, studies show that as much as 20% of all cataracts or clouding of the eyes are caused directly by overexposure to UV rays. 
 

This is why it is important that, while choosing sunglasses, to select a pair that blocks out 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, or have a UV 400 rating, giving you the best protection possible, so you can maintain healthy eyes with clear vision. Sunglasses are also beneficial to protect sensitive areas around the eye from developing dangerous skin cancers,  by filtering out the harmful rays and shielding the area. 
If you are concerned about providing your eyes with the best possible protection, you can purchase sunglasses directly from an optician. Most importantly, ensure your sunglasses are marked as having an optometric “seal of acceptance,” so you are guaranteed of their effectiveness. 

Personal comfort 

In addition to providing many health benefits, sunglasses are an essential part of ensuring personal comfort during the brightest days. Bright sunshine is very harsh to the bare eye, and the glare can make being outdoors quite uncomfortable. Sunglasses make things easier on the eyes, filtering the harmful UV rays and acting as an effective barrier between your eyes and the brightness of the sun. 
 

For additional comfort when wearing sunglasses, buyers should consider opting for polarised lenses, as they are designed for reducing and even eliminating the harsh glare. It is important to understand that while they are more comfortable to wear and look through, some people may find polarized lenses slightly inhibiting when playing outdoor sports such as golf. 
 

Fitting is a significant factor in comfort as well. It is crucial when choosing a pair of sunglasses that you try them on first to ensure a good fit. Too small and you will be left with tenderness and pain, potentially even headaches, and too large will be uncomfortable, sliding around on your face and not sitting on your nose properly. 
Sunglasses will prevent sore and tired eyes, allowing you to remain comfortable for longer periods of time outdoors. 
 

Protection from the elements 

Sunglasses are also important for protecting the eyes from the elements. The lenses act as a barrier, effectively keeping out rain, sand, dust, and the wind when spending time outdoors. All of these elements can be harsh and damaging to the eyes, causing irritation and soreness after long periods of exposure. Ensuring your eyes are adequately protected from the elements and debris found in the environment, they can help you avoid health issues such as eye infections too. 
 

Sunglasses are perhaps the most important accessory a person can have. Not only are they important for the overall health and protection of your eyes, but they are also critical to being able to see properly in the sunshine. 
 

On Monday, June 27th, 2016, it is International Sunglasses Day. The day is aimed at spreading awareness to the public about the importance of protecting your eyes with a great pair of sunglasses. The general public can get involved and have a little fun by taking to Twitter and posting their fabulous sunglasses selfies. Once your pictures are uploaded, tag the Vision Council at @opticalindustry or include the hashtag #InternationalSunglassesDay. If you feel like getting involved, why not also embed a tweet from the Vision Council, doing your part to help raise awareness of good eye health and the importance of wearing sunglasses, whenever the sunny weather hits. ​