It's a good idea to spend some time outdoors, but it usually isn't good for your eyes to do so without the right eye protection. The sun and wind can cause a lot of damage to the eyes, and they can affect your vision. When you need to see an optometrist for your annual eye exam and to get the sunglasses you need, call one of our offices in Mandan, ND, Hazen, ND, or Washburn, ND, to schedule your appointment with Eyecare Professionals.
Vision and UV Rays
There are a lot of harsh and damaging aspects of being outdoors for your eyes, and one of the most damaging among them is UV rays. UV light is a form of radiation that comes from the sun. When you are outside during the day, UV rays from the sun shine into your eyes when you aren't wearing eye protection. However, wearing these glasses changes that.
These glasses have a coating on them that keeps UV rays from passing through the lenses and reaching your eyes. Virtually all of these types of glasses today have this coating, and it may block either 99% or 100% of the UV rays that try to make it through. When your eyes aren't protected, you can fall victim to cataracts overtime or other health problems, which can be caused by UV rays. Wear protective glasses outdoors to protect against this type of damage.
Glare, Wind, and Debris
Other issues with your eyes when you are outdoors without eye protection include glare from the sun and wind that can dry out your eyes. Glare is caused by the sun bouncing off smooth surfaces and shining harshly into your eyes. When you wear polarized glasses, you cut out this glare so that you can see better and function better outside. When the wind constantly blows into your eyes, it can not only cause dry eye, but it can drive small particles into your eye that scratches your cornea. These dangers are especially present when you're running, boating, or biking. When you wear protective glasses, much of the wind is blocked from getting to your eyes and causing the tear film to dry out too quickly. It can also block small particles from getting into your eyes and causing abrasions.
Visit Us for Sunglasses and an Eye Exam from an Optometrist on Our Optometry Team
Wearing protective eyewear is important for keeping your eyes protected anytime you are outside. When it's time for your eye exam, call us to make an appointment with an optometrist on our optometry team at Eyecare Professionals. We have offices in (701) 663-2020 Mandan, ND, (701) 748-6533 Hazen, ND, and (701) 462-8636 Washburn, ND, for your convenience.
