When the sun is hidden behind a set of lumpy clouds on an overcast day, many people leave their sunglasses behind and grab an umbrella instead, but even on cloudy days, eye health is important. Believe it or not, sunglasses can be and should be worn during overcast days during daylight.
You may be asking yourself, “Why should I wear sunglasses if I can’t see the sun?”
Ever notice how, even on a cloudy day, the world around us is still lit with light that lets us see during daylight hours?
Well, even though the sun is hidden behind a cloud cover, its effects on temperature, atmospheric pressure, and our eyes are still present.
When the sun shines through a layer of dense clouds, the atmosphere acts as an incubator for UV rays, making them even more intense than when the sun shines brightly in all its glory.
Studies show that partially cloudy skies raise surface UVB levels by 25 percent, and the UVB rays associated with DNA damage are 40 percent stronger.
Overexposure to UV rays can cause damage to the eyes over time.
Many people protect their skin from sunburn by wearing sunscreen, but aren’t aware that their eyes can also get sunburnt.
Sunburnt eyes may become red, dry, painful, and gritty, and lead to permanent eye damage such as cataracts, macular degeneration, corneal sunburn, and some eye cancers.
Obviously, we can’t rub sunscreen on our eyes, so it is important to protect them with sunglasses or prescription lenses that block UV light.
In addition to wearing your sunglasses on cloudy days, you may benefit from wearing glasses year-round for the following reasons:
Car windshields provide little protection from UVA rays and glare, so you may benefit from the added protection while driving.
When driving, consider gradient lenses (glasses that are tinted at the top to shield the eyes from intense sunlight while maintaining comfortable vision through the lighter part of the lens) or polarized sunglasses (glasses that minimize road glare and provide clarity in foggy or partly cloudy conditions). When choosing the best driving options, it is important to note that polarized lenses can make it difficult to view LCD dashboard screens.
Sunglasses can shield your eyes from year-round elements, like wind, allergens, and debris, including eye allergies in the spring and dry eye from wind and dry winter weather.
By wearing high-quality sunglasses, you can reduce your risk of developing certain eye conditions related to UV ray exposure, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, pinguecula, and pterygium.
RELATED: Why Black Women’s Eye Health Is More At Risk
When purchasing sunglasses, always make sure the lenses block UVA and UVB rays and provide 99 percent UV protection, which is the FDA-approved level.
If you are overdue for a new pair of glasses, make sure your new purchase protects the sides of your eyes and fits your face well.
Consider opting for wraparound sunglasses or those with side panels to protect your eyes and surrounding skin when you’re outdoors.
It’s also important to keep up with regular eye exams to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sunglasses and other protective eyewear all year long, especially if you require a prescription.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Eye and Vision Center for more articles.
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