Why wear sunglasses?
Why wear sunglasses? This is often a question not only of fashion, but also of practicality. Sunglasses can help protect your eyes and vision in the powerful Texas sun; and let you look good doing so. Modern sunglasses have gone through many iterations and changes throughout the years to get us to where we are today. Here’s a short overview of the history and benefits of modern sunglasses.
The History of Sunglasses
Sunglasses may seem like a modern invention but only the styles and technologies behind them are. People as far back as the 13th century understood the importance of eye protection and we can trace the origins of sunglasses to them. The Inuit peoples in the northern regions of modern day Canada crafted snow goggles with narrow eye slits to prevent snow blindness. During the 1706 solar eclipse the French King, Louis XIV and his court observed the eclipse through a telescope using a smoky glass filter to dim the intensity of the light. In the 1920s sunglasses quickly gained popularity among the growing movie industry and celebrities. And by the late 1930s millions of sunglasses were being sold in the United States and adoption of sunglasses by the aviation industry caused a surge in their popularity and has influenced styles to this day.
The Benefits of Sunglasses
Sunglasses play a crucial role in protecting the external structures of our eyes. Just as we apply sunscreen at the pool or beach to shield our skin from harmful UV rays, sunglasses provide similar protection for our eyes. Most modern sunglasses come with built-in UV protection in the lenses. When shopping for sunglasses, make sure the lens denotes 100% UV-Protection or UV400. These numbers mean the sunglasses will block wavelengths up to 400 nanometers which covers both UV-A and UV-B rays.
Something many people don’t realize is that sunglasses are just as important during cloudy weather as they are during a sunny day. Clouds naturally diffuse light but can be just as intense of a light source as the sun but spread across the entire sky. This is why I always recommend you wear sunglasses even during cloudy weather.
Tint vs polarization
Lens tints refer to the different colors available for sunglass lenses. If you spend a lot of time outdoors—like many Texans—a darker tint such as gray or amber may offer better relief from light sensitivity. Green-tinted lenses can enhance contrast and improve visibility of browns and grays, making them a great option for hikers and mountain bikers.
Polarized lenses work by reducing glare from reflected light. For instance, if you’re fishing or spending the day near water, sunlight reflecting off the surface can make it difficult to see below. Polarized lenses minimize this glare, offering better clarity and allowing you to see more detail beneath the water’s surface.
How Sunglasses and Cataracts are related
I often compare cataracts to windows in a home. The longer a window is exposed to sunlight, the more its clarity and color can degrade—especially if it’s not protected by shade. Similarly, the eye’s natural lens behaves like that window, and sunglasses act as the shade that protects it from the sun’s harmful, oxidizing rays.
Everyone will eventually develop cataracts to some degree as they age. However, consistently wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help slow their progression. It can also reduce your risk of developing pigment changes in the macula, which may lead to macular degeneration.
Conclusion
Sunglasses are an integral part of anyone’s wardrobe and should be worn outside rain or shine. They are one of the most important accessories for outdoor activities. With so many styles, shapes, and colors available there will always be a pair of sunglasses that you love. Not only can they accent your look but they also provide eye health and visual benefits. Come visit us at Landa Eye Center and we can find the perfect pair for you!
Best regards,
Dr. Mateo Alvarez