Why Sunglasses are Important All Year Round

Sunglasses are often thought of as purely a summer accessory, however, the importance of sunglasses go beyond just the sunny weather. 

Learn about the importance of sunglasses any time of year, and your eyes and outfits will thank you!

1. Wrinkle Prevention with Sunglasses

Squinting in the sun isn’t just a summer issue — it can happen anytime you're outside. This can lead to fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes. Wearing good eye protection is one of the first steps in preventing damage to both your eyes and the skin around them.

2. UV Effects on the Skin 

Sunglasses provide essential protection, particularly for the sensitive and thin periocular skin around the eyes. This area is especially vulnerable to harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause damage even in colder months. Such damage may include dryness, wrinkles, sagging, loss of elasticity, and mottled pigmentation. Because the skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than other areas, it is more susceptible to UV-induced aging. By protecting this delicate skin, you can help prevent premature aging and maintain a smooth, youthful appearance.

3. Preventing Eye Strain

Sunglasses prevent eye strain by reducing glare from the sun, which can cause fatigue and/or discomfort. They filter out harmful UV rays that can damage your eyes, while the polarized lenses reduce reflective glare. Together, this helps maintain clear vision, reduces squinting and minimizes eye strain. 

Importance of Anti-Reflective Lenses

Anti-reflective lenses offer more than just improved visual comfort; they also reduce glare, which helps to minimize eye strain and, in turn, supports overall eye health. By reducing glare, these lenses enhance clarity in various lighting conditions, whether under the bright sun, on a golf course, or around street lights.

Sunglasses for Safe Driving

Safety is the most important factor in defensive driving. Incorporating sunglasses into your daily driving routine helps reduce glare from other vehicles, improving visibility and reaction time in bright conditions. It's a common misconception that a car’s windshield provides adequate protection from UV rays, but this isn't the case. To protect your eyes from harsh lighting conditions and constant sun exposure on the road, sunglasses are essential.

4. Sunglasses as a Fashion Accessory

Sunglasses not only serve a practical purpose by providing protection but also elevate and refine any outfit. A single quality pair can be versatile, complementing various outfits and enhancing the style and coordination of the wearer. For different occasions, being able to switch out different styles and colors of sunglasses without breaking the bank helps keep a unique touch to each outfit. That's where Emerson shines — they offer high quality at an affordable price, making it easy to elevate your look without overspending. For instance, a pair of Emerson in Whiskey Brown Tortoise can be paired with shorts, an open button-down shirt, and sandals for a perfect, breezy outfit. Alternatively, for a more polished look, try pairing the Black Beige Tortoise colorway with a matching black suit and shoes.

Benefits of Shield Sunglasses with Side Protection 

For an added layer of protection, consider shield sunglasses with side shields. These side shields close the gap between your eyes and the glasses, offering enhanced protection from dust, debris, and, most importantly, UV rays. Sunglasses like the Harvey model are particularly beneficial for activities such as outdoor sports or in windy weather conditions.

Year-Round Health Benefits of Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses year-round provides constant protection from the sun’s UV rays while also shielding your eyes from wind, dust, and debris. Additionally, sunglasses are essential for preventing eye strain and headaches caused by bright light.

Sunglasses for Every Season

While sunglasses may seem most beneficial in the summertime, eye protection is important year-round, regardless of the season:

• Winter: Protects from snow glare and UV reflection.
• Spring: Shields eyes from pollen and allergens.
• Fall: Counteracts the lower angle of the sun and glare from wet surfaces.
• Summer: Provides protection from intense UV rays and comfort in bright sunlight.

Choosing the Best Sunglasses

When selecting a pair of sunglasses, it's crucial to ensure they offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as all WMP Eyewear shades do. Sunglasses that only protect against one type of UV ray can lead to unnecessary eye strain and damage that can and should be prevented. Consider the style of sunglasses based on upcoming weather conditions — a windy day might call for side protection, while a day on the golf course could benefit from anti-reflective lenses and non-slip nose pad grips, like those on the Wyndham model. Proper fit is also important; look for sunglasses that provide full coverage, such as the Hayden or Gia models. Additionally, having a high-quality pair of shades that can transition from casual to formal ensures your look remains classic and timeless.

By choosing the right sunglasses, you can protect your vision and skin health year-round while enjoying improved clarity and UV protection. Plus, incorporating a stylish pair of shades into every outfit keeps your look on-trend and refined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are UV rays and how do they affect the skin?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a type of light energy emitted by the sun and artificial sources. These rays penetrate the outer layers of the skin and reach the deeper layers. Overexposure can be harmful, leading to damage or death of skin cells.

In what ways do sunglasses help reduce squinting?

Sunglasses help reduce squinting by blocking bright sunlight and reflecting light away from your eyes, which can cause discomfort and strain. In addition to the health benefits, reducing the frequency of squinting can help prevent wrinkles over time with consistent use.

Why is it important to invest in quality sunglasses?

Quality sunglasses provide long-term benefits, such as unparalleled protection from harmful UV rays, improved vision, and durability. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration.