HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Sunglasses are more than just a cool accessory to wear on a sunny day. They play a crucial role in protecting your eyes and keeping them healthy.
So, as the heat continues to rise the sun bears down on us, KHON2.com decided to explore why sunglasses are important, how they protect your eyes and how you can choose the right pair for both protection and style.
Why sunglasses are important
The sun emits powerful rays which include ultraviolet (UV) rays, and they can be harmful to your eyes. Just like you protect your skin with sunscreen, you need to protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Here’s why:
Protecting your eyes from UV rays: The sun’s UV rays can cause serious damage to your eyes. Prolonged exposure to these rays can lead to eye problems like cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens), macular degeneration (damage to the retina) and even skin cancer around the eyelids. Sunglasses with UV protection can block these harmful rays.
Reducing glare: Glare from the sun can make it hard to see, especially when you’re near water, snow or driving. Sunglasses reduce this glare, making it easier and safer to see clearly.
Preventing eye strain: Bright sunlight can cause you to squint, leading to eye strain and discomfort. Sunglasses help reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, making it more comfortable to be outdoors.
How sunglasses protect your eyes
Sunglasses are designed with special lenses that filter out harmful UV rays. Here’s how they work:
UV protection: Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This ensures your eyes are fully protected from the sun’s harmful effects.
Polarized lenses: Polarized lenses reduce glare by filtering out light reflected off surfaces like water, roads and snow. This makes them great for outdoor activities and driving.
Tinted lenses: Different lens colors can enhance contrast and reduce glare. For example, gray lenses reduce overall brightness without distorting colors, while brown lenses enhance contrast, making them good for sports.
Sunglasses as fashion and choosing the right sunglasses for your face
While sunglasses are essential for eye protection, they are also a popular fashion accessory. They come in various styles, colors and shapes, allowing you to express your personality and style. Wearing stylish sunglasses can make you feel confident and trendy.
When picking sunglasses, it’s important to choose a pair that not only protects your eyes but also looks good on you. Here are some tips for finding the perfect pair for your face shape:
Round face: If you have a round face, look for angular or square-shaped frames. These can help add definition to your face. Avoid round frames as they can make your face look even rounder.
Oval face: People with oval faces are lucky because they can wear almost any shape of sunglasses. Try experimenting with different styles to see what you like best.
Square face: For square faces, round or oval frames can soften your strong jawline and add balance. Avoid square frames as they can make your face look boxy.
Heart-shaped face: If you have a heart-shaped face, look for sunglasses that are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, like aviators. This can help balance your forehead and chin.
Sunglasses are an essential tool for protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. They help prevent eye damage, reduce glare and prevent eye strain.
Beyond their protective benefits, sunglasses are also a great fashion accessory, allowing you to express your personal style. When choosing sunglasses, consider both their protective qualities and how they complement your face shape.
By doing so, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and stylishly. So next time you head outside, don’t forget to grab your sunglasses!