While sunglasses may seem like a fashion statement, eye doctors and other eye care professionals agree that they are far more than an accessory. In fact, sunglasses are a critical way to protect your vision. If you don’t have a pair for daily use, here’s some insight into why it’s time to invest in these glasses as part of your eye care routine. 

Understanding How Sunglasses Fit Into Overall Eye Care

What are the Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses?

UV radiation from the sun can be detrimental to your vision, resulting in damage to the retina, cataracts, and even blindness if you spend an extended period of time in bright sunlight. Wearing sunglasses protects against these harmful rays. Better still, sunglasses provide comfortable vision on bright days, minimizing glare and the need to squint. When worn in conjunction with wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen, sunglasses can also protect against skin cancer and wrinkles around the eyes from squinting. 

Should You Wear Sunglasses Year-Round?

While sunglasses are synonymous with summertime, they should be worn year-round. The sun still shines on winter days, and in certain situations, sunlight reflected on ice and patches of white snow can increase the brightness. As such, sunglasses should be worn through every season and even on cloudy days. After all, UV radiation can penetrate even the toughest cloud cover, so if it’s daylight and you’re outdoors or driving, make a habit of wearing your shades. 

Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic, conveniently located in south-central Minnesota, has established a stellar reputation across the region for providing comprehensive eye care to patients of all ages. If you’re looking for a friendly optometrist to fit you for a pair of fashionable prescription sunglasses, call this practice today at (507) 526-2222 to schedule an appointment. For more insight into the services these eye doctors specialize in, from general eye exams to treating cataracts and glaucoma, visit their website.