Save Your Eyes With Sunglasses

Many people do not realise the usefulness of wearing sunglasses. Some even think it is a fashion item that defines who they are. But sunglasses prevent the eyes from absorbing the harmful ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, which the sun emits. Rays from the sun can do serious damage to the eyes and can also lead to cataracts. Caring for your eyes by protecting them with sunglasses during sunlight should be a necessity. Many people know that ultraviolet light can cause skin cancer, but not many know that it may also cause damage to the retina in the eyes. The retina is the most important element in the eye that allows vision.

Experts have cautioned that the sun can be your number one enemy while driving a vehicle, thus making the use of sunglasses imperative. They advise drivers to shield their eyes from the sun's glaring ray, which could cause temporary blindness and avoidable accident. Professional drivers who often drive larger vehicles such as tankers, trucks, school buses and other articulated vehicles are even said to be in greater need of sunglasses than the others as they could lose control of their vehicle as a result of the sun's blinding rays.

Children are very vulnerable to extreme sunlight and should be taught early in life to wear sunglasses. As the children grow to adulthood they become accustomed to wearing sunglasses to protect their delicate eyes and reduce the damage that could have been done to their eyes. Older persons should always wear sunglasses when outside in the sun. This will reduce the blinding effect of the sun and also reduce deterioration of the eyes.

By PORTIA ONWUYALIM: this article can also be found in TELL magazine