What are the health benefits of wearing sunglasses?

Digital Desk: Sunglasses have been a fashion statement since its outset over 2,000 years ago. The Inuit (a group of culturally related indigenous people in the Arctic and subarctic regions of Greenland, Labrador, Quebec, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories and Alaska) used sunglasses during this period to protect their eyes from the dazzling glare of light reflected off the snow. 

With new hues, tints, and forms hitting the market, sunglasses are no longer just a fashion statement; they've also become a medically prescribed accessory.

Wearing sunglasses is vital for eye health, according to Dr. Amrita Kapoor Chaturvedi, Senior Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, especially for people who spend the majority of their day outside in the sun. 

"Sunglasses protect the eye from toxic elements and the impacts of UV radiation present in sunlight," said Dr. Amrita Kapoor Charuvedi in an interview with a national news agency.

She went on to say that those who spend a lot of time outside, especially those who live in hills and do things like farming, fishing, and sports, may have eye difficulties. 

"They may experience dry and congested eyes. Cataracts and lens clouding develop over time. It has the potential to cause degeneration of the most sensitive portion of the central retina. Many people can have yellow or pink growths on the white area of the eye (sclera) that can spread to the cornea" Dr. Chaturvedi stated.

She emphasised the need of wearing sunglasses with a UV filter on the lens. 

It keeps intense light out, reducing twitches that cause headaches and watery eyes.

It prevents UV rays from entering the eye even in foggy conditions, preventing retinal damage, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Long-term sun exposure puts the skin surrounding the eyes at greater risk of cancer. As a result, it also prevents that.

It shields the eyes from direct pollutants and dust while keeping the surface of the eyes healthy.