Sunglasses are an essential part of summer! You’ve probably been wearing them since you were a kid when mom or dad would remind you to put them on before going outside to play. Then, as a teenager they became a cool accessory. And as an adult, you may wonder: What are the benefits of wearing sunglasses?

There are many benefits to wearing your sunglasses 365 days a year, rain or shine. The sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays are present in our atmosphere every day, so protecting your eyes from those rays every day is a priority.

Here are 6 reasons to wear your sunglasses more often:

1. Protect eyes from UV and other elements

Though you’ll wear different clothes whether you’re sitting on the beach, lounging by a pool, out for a run, biking, waterskiing, or snow skiing―the one item you should wear in every one of those scenarios is your sunglasses!

A pair of high-quality sunglasses that blocks 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays is the one item that makes the difference between enjoying a pleasant outdoor activity and damaging your eyes.

And it’s not just the sun’s intense rays that sunglasses protect your eyes from. As a physical barrier, sunglasses protect from wind, blowing dust, sand, and other airborne debris that could irritate your eyes and even scratch the cornea, which could cause permanent damage.

2. See better, be safer

The sun’s rays give life to our planet, but they can be blinding to your eyes. If your eyes are sensitive to light, you may need to squint or hold your hand up to block sunlight. That’s not “seeing your best” and could be a safety hazard while driving, riding a bike, or participating in any activity where you’re moving fast and making quick decisions. Wear sunglasses to help you see your best and navigate more safely. You could prevent a severe injury to yourself or others. (And you’ll even look cool while doing so.)

3. Help your “future self” prevent sun-related eye disease

While we can’t see into the future, we do have a lot of evidence that supports this statement: Daily exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays over the course of years will significantly increase your risk for developing cataracts, macular degeneration, or other eye conditions that can steal your vision.

Cataracts are a yellowish clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can cause light sensitivity and blurred vision. Macular degeneration is a deterioration of the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for your detailed, up-close vision, such as seeing people’s faces, reading or watching tv. The sun’s rays can also cause eye cancer and a condition called pterygium, a growth of excess tissue on the eyeball. Once again, there’s one common way to lower your risk: Wear sunglasses every day, every time you’re outside to help your eyes stay healthier, longer.

4. Better vision to see your best outside

Sure they keep your eyes safe and prevent disease, but sunglasses have an immediate benefit the moment you put them on: instant relief from the sun’s brightness and glare. It’s uncomfortable to be outside in bright, blaring sun without shielding your eyes from that intense light!

Whether you’re watching your child’s sporting event, skiing down a snowy mountain, or enjoying a walk through the park, sunglasses enable you to see more and better. Polarized lenses improve vision dramatically by cutting down on the sun’s glare that bounces off horizontal surfaces such as the ocean, sand, sidewalks or snow. Without glare, you can better see color and contrast. That improves vision and raises your level of enjoyment. Sunglasses enable you both to enjoy being outside more and to perform better if you’re playing a sport.

5. Protect eyes as they heal

Corrective eye surgery is a common occurrence, whether it’s a corrective procedure for cataracts or LASIK surgery to improve vision. These procedures require proper time for the eyes to heal. As eyes recover, it’s essential to keep them out of the sun’s harmful rays so they can heal completely. Sunglasses are the ideal way to keep your precious eyesight safe and give your body the time it needs to heal.

6. Avoid headaches or migraines

As anyone who suffers from migraines or intense headaches knows, the sun’s bright light can be a trigger that causes these painful events. And—you guessed it—the best way to prevent that from happening is to wear a high-quality pair of sunglasses that blocks out the sun’s light and protects your eyes. If bright light is a trigger for you, you may be able to avoid the pain and discomfort of a migraine by wearing sunglasses more often.

When purchasing sunglasses, opt for dark lenses if you’re prone to such headaches. And, be sure they are high-quality lenses like the ones we sell in our optical department. That way, you can be assured that your eyes are protected from UV rays.

If you need a new pair of sunglasses that block 100% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, our optical department will help you choose a pair that looks great on you and offers all of the protective elements you need to keep seeing your best for years to come!