The number of ocular issues globally is on the rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), no less than two billion people are suffering from a near or distant vision impairment, and at least one billion of these cases could have been prevented. A major culprit behind the development of eye problems is the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, making sunglasses an essential part of our everyday lives.
In line with this, a Grand View Research market report stated that the demand for sunglasses has rapidly increased as people become more aware of the dangers of UV exposure. This is so much so that the value of the sunglasses industry was estimated at $23.52 billion in 2023, and it is expected to grow until 2030. If you’ve yet to similarly prioritize shades in your life, here’s why you should make wearing them a daily habit and how you can pick the right pair:
Why wearing sunglasses is important
Typically, people know to wear protective glasses during occasions like a solar eclipse but tend to overlook their everyday importance. A survey on MDPI about the awareness and practices toward eye protection from UV rays revealed that 59% of the participants do not use any protective eyewear from UV radiation. Among those participants, 47% were uncertain about the efficiency of UV protection in sunglasses.
This is despite evidence suggesting that excess UV damage can encourage the development of eye issues. For instance, prolonged exposure to UV rays can modify lens proteins, which could lead to the formation of cataracts, corneal damage, and macular degeneration. These vision problems can result in decreased vision and blindness. The WHO estimates that 15 million people worldwide are blind due to cataracts, and 10% of these might be attributed to excessive UV exposure.
All in all, this prompts the need for strengthened reminders for appropriate eye protection and what to look for in UV-blocking sunglasses.
How to pick sunglasses
For starters, you should look for a label indicating “100% UV protection” or “UV 400” to ensure the standard sunglasses’ lenses can block harmful rays and protect your eyes. Now, if you need vision correction, you should look for prescription sunglasses. These are available across various brands and models, such as the Ray-Ban RB3445 or the Persol Steve Mcqueen. For added visual comfort, which can help certain eye conditions that cause photosensitivity, these shades can even be equipped with polarized lenses to reduce glare. With glasses that offer vision protection and correction, you won’t have to worry about navigating the sunny outdoors.
Alternatively, you can also try sports sunglasses if you’re an adrenaline junkie who enjoys spending time outside. Whether you’re jogging, cycling, or simply heading outdoors, sporting a pair of specialized sunnies can help protect your eyes from harmful UV damage without impeding your performance. Adidas has a couple of sports sunglasses that you can try, such as the SP0057 02L, which is made of nylon and carbon composite to make it ultra-lightweight and resistant to impact. The lenses are also photochromic, so they can adjust to various light conditions. On top of UV protection, these sports sunglasses ensure you move confidently and safely via their athletics-focused features.
