How sunglasses help protect your eye health
Not to throw shade on you, but if you're not wearing sunglasses, your eye health is not "made in the shade." That's because sunglasses protect your eyes -- and eyelids -- from the damage that ultraviolet (UV) sunlight can do to them.
In fact, basal cell and squamous carcinoma on the eyelids are not uncommon and account for approximately 10% of all skin cancers. (Basal cell accounts for 90% of those.) Symptoms include a growth on the lid that is red, brown or black, non-healing skin irritations, chronic infection or swelling of the eyelid, and loss of eyelashes.
In the eye itself, overexposure to the sun's rays may cause surfer's eye -- a cloudy, wedge-shaped bump on the cornea that can trigger discomfort and interfere with vision -- and sunburned eyes (called photokeratitis), which is caused by the sun scorching the cornea and the inside of your eyelids, triggering blurry vision, swelling, and sore, watery eyes.
Sunglasses that protect your eyes are either polycarbonate or have a special coating applied that blocks the UV rays. Look for sunglasses with 95%-100% UV protection or a "UV 400" sticker. And brown, green and gray lenses are most protective.
To check how protective your current sunglasses are, ask your eye doctor or local sunglass retailer if they have a photometer that can test their effectiveness. And remember, sunglasses aren't just for the beach or sunny summer days -- they protect your vision year-round. For more info on eye health, check out the revised edition of "YOU: The Owner's Manual."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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