Are Sunglasses as Important as SPF?
Summertime means longer days, more time to spend outside doing your favorite activities, and more sun exposure. A stylish pair of shades might seem like a “nice to have” accessory on sunny days, but did you know that sunglasses are essential, just like SPF when it comes to protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays? Here’s why you should pack sunglasses next to your sunscreen for your next summer adventure.
How Sunglasses Protect You
Sunglasses protect not only your eyes but the sensitive skin around your eyes as well by blocking UV light. Reducing your eyes’ exposure to UV light can also help reduce your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and certain types of cancer, according to ophthalmologist Tongalp Tezel, MD.
What to Look For Shopping for Sunglasses
It’s not just important to wear sunglasses; you also need to ensure that your sunglasses are actually protecting your eyes from UV rays. A pair of inadequate sunglasses can cause more harm than not wearing anything at all. When you wear sunglasses, your pupils dilate, and if they are tinted but don’t offer any UV filtering, then more UV is able to access your eyes than if your pupils were contracted and you were squinting in the bright sunlight.
All Smith tinted lenses offer 100% UV protection, so you can enjoy the sun without worry. If you find yourself especially sensitive to light or looking for more protection, make sure your sunglasses are properly fitted to your face. The nose bridge of the sunglasses should touch your face. You can also try a sunglasses style that is wrapped to help eliminate any light leakage in your periphery.
Sun Damage Doesn’t Only Happen In Summer
Sunglasses feel like something you only need in the summer, but when winter rolls around, don’t put them away just yet. If you’re skiing, hiking in the backcountry, or snowshoeing, sunlight and the UV light that comes with it can reflect off the snow and ice. Sunglasses and ski goggles help protect your eyes all year round. That’s right, it’s not just our sunglasses. Smith goggles with tinted lenses provide 100% protection against UVA/UVB as well.
Still not sure which Smiths are right for you? Try on a few pairs in-store to see what feels best or check in with the experts on our customer service team.
