Why You Still Need to Wear Sunglasses in the Fall

It might be time for a little refresher on the importance of wearing sunglasses throughout the year. Remember, ultraviolet rays are just as harmful on cloudy or overcast days as they are on sunny ones. Here are five good reasons to wear your sunglasses in the fall.

1. Sunglasses make you look cool. Eyewear is more popular than ever, and sunglasses are a way to make a statement about your style. Instead of buying a cheap pair of sunglasses, invest in a quality pair of stylish sunglasses with proper UV protection. Once you find the glasses you love, purchase a case to keep them safe and prevent them from getting lost.
2. Sunglasses keep your eyes moist and comfortable. You’ve probably experienced dry eye before, and you know how annoying it can be. Unfortunately, you are more susceptible to dry eye during the cooler months of the year. Cold air, wind and lower humidity can make eyes itchy, watery and red. Lubricating drops can help alleviate dry eye — be careful though, they can be habit-forming and can sometimes make your condition worse.
3. Sunglasses protect you from wrinkles. You are saying “yes” to wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines if you are saying “no” to your sunglasses. The combination of daily sunscreen and sunglasses with larger lenses will shield the delicate skin on your face from the damaging effects of UV rays.
4. Sunglasses help prevent cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, and one of the main causes is sun exposure. Reducing your exposure to ultraviolet radiation could prevent or delay the development of cataracts which slowly deteriorate your vision and can affect your quality of life. By the age of 40, 1 out of every 6 Americans has a developing cataract, so it’s a good idea to sport those shades.
5. Sunglasses help reduce the risk for cancer and growths on or around the eye. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause many problems such as cancers of the eyelid, melanoma, or pterygium. Although pterygium growths are not cancerous, they can interfere with your vision and require surgery.

Solar radiation and UV rays are harmful during all four seasons, no matter your age or the area in which you live. The fall sun is lower in the sky, but this means it is also shining more directly into your eyes even if it does not seem as bright. Make it a priority to go out and buy a new pair of sunglasses and wear them every day. You’ll be looking fantastic and protecting your vision at the same time.