As a matter of fact, eyes are the only organ in the human body which allow deep penetration of sunlight inside the body. 3 million people around the world go blind every year due to over exposure of UV sun radiation. Long exposure of UV radiation has proven to be a main cause of cataract, various eye diseases including cancers. But sad to say, we still tend to overlook these facts. Many of us often forget or make mistake of not protecting our eyes when out in broad day light. We still feel wearing eye shades make us look like giving a fashion statement or like a movie star. Yes, sunglasses are no longer a fashion accessory or an attitude statement. It has become a bare necessity. We are fully aware about the harmful UV radiation effect on our health, including eyes. Whenever out, in the street, walking, driving, everyone should thoroughly wear protective eye shades. Cloudy sky does protect us from some amount of UV radiation reaching us. But, it's advisable to wear sunglasses not only on sunny days, but also on cloudy days as well, for precaution.

Whatever be the weather or season; UV radiation reaches the earth surface and does affect the eco system. Rain, wind, snow, winter all allows more or less some UV radiation to reach us. Maybe the percentages may vary. In fact, the reflection of UV rays on water or snow is more damaging to our eyes. In summer, UV rays affect us three to four times more than winter. Again, different cloud allow different amount of radiation to pass. White clouds that are normally seen in the sky allow about 90% of the radiation to pass. Whereas, grey to dark cloud allow around 30% radiation to pass. That means no day is actually radiation free. Like applying sunscreen everyday is essential, so wearing protective eye gear is an utmost necessity.

UV radiation of sun has effect on all living beings on earth. As for human, it is both useful and harmful effects on heath. Normally, three types of UV radiation with different wavelengths reach us. UV A radiation helps us in the formation of vitamin D which is an essential nutrient to our bones. But this very radiation when expose for a long time, causes harmful effects on skin and eyes. UV B radiation with shorter wavelength is more harmful to heath. The most common effect is cataract of eye, even in young age group. Photokeratitis is another common effect on eye which can lead to temporary blindness. This usually happens when exposed to long hours of sun light in beach without eye protection. Besides these effects, pteryzium and macular degeneration are other non malignant harmful diseases on eye that can occur due to radiation exposure. Macular degeneration is a quite common cause of age related blindness. Again, UV B can alter the DNA of cells which are basic building blocks of human beings. So the cells can die or distorted cells can form. This type of radiation can cause mutation of DNA and suppresses the immune system resulting in certain type of skin and ophthalmic cancers. Therefore, these effects of ultra violets rays are detrimental to human health. Such type of damage occurs when the exposure to radiation is increased and prolonged for a longer period. Otherwise, our body is quite adoptable if such UV radiation is limited. Our body has a mechanism of repairing the distorted DNA, thereby forming healthy cells. Similar to other living beings like plants, animals, human body is also quite resilient to the UV radiation effect if the sun exposure is limited.

We do wear sun screen lotion whenever we go out. As sunscreen lotion is a basic essential so also sunglasses are a basic essential too. We don't have to wear an expensive sunglass necessarily for protection. There are simple tips for selecting sunglasses .Basically, the frame need to be fitted well and the glasses should cover our eyes completely so that the protection is adequate and the distortion is nil. Then, the lenses which needed to be pick up wisely which gives us almost 100 percent protection. Different lens options are available for purchase. We can surely take professional help based on our requirement. Anti reflective coating and polarized glasses are very popular and widely purchased ones. These glasses reduce the reflected glare which is produced by back surface of the sunglasses. Mirror coated glasses are soothing as they cut down the amount of light entering the eyes. Tinted glasses like double or single gradient are available in different colours which can reduce the overhead light entering from top to bottom or bottom to top. These glasses can be of great help in skiing or in snow, sand or water. The choice of colour and frame entirely depend on personal preferences. The glasses should provide protection from UV radiation for at least 90 to 100 percent and required to cover the eyes wholly. Cost and styling depends on individual choices. Photo chromatic lenses can adjust the colour of the glasses depending on the brightness of the UV radiation exposed. The glasses become darker when exposed to sunlight. So there is no requirement of separate sunglasses for people who use photo chromatic prescription glasses. Contact lenses do provide some protection against UV radiation but they do not cover the eyes completely. So the need to wear sunglasses is essential with contact lenses on.
My attempt to write an article on sunglasses was to accentuate it as a basic necessity in our daily life. Most of us cannot deny the fact that we often forget or do not actually feel the need to wear them in our day to day life. It's time for us to use it as bare essential. Using sunglasses may not cost us or make a big difference in our lives but would surely keep our eyes healthy for a longer period of time. Sometimes simple things in life can save us from big catastrophe.

About Author / Additional Info:
A Medical Professional who enthusiastic to write on health related topics.