Ahhh…there’s nothing quite like relaxing by the pool under the bright sun, sipping on a refreshing glass of lemonade and enjoying the pleasant weather. However, the sunlight reflecting off the cool pool water can be harmful to your eyes, so it’s important to have a trendy pair of sunglasses.
Do you enjoy wearing shades? Not only do they enhance your appearance, but they also serve a crucial purpose: protecting your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. And they aren’t just limited to the summer season. Sunglasses can be just as essential in the winter!
When you’re sledding or skiing, the intense sunlight reflecting off the snow can blind you. A good pair of sunglasses will enable you to fully enjoy your outdoor activities. Your parents may also find it beneficial to wear sunglasses while driving in snowy conditions.
Sunglasses have a long history. As early as the 12th century, glasses with flat smoky quartz lenses were used in China to shield the eyes. Further advancements in tinted lenses were made in the mid-18th century.
However, it wasn’t until the late 1920s that affordable, mass-produced sunglasses were introduced to the United States by Sam Foster. Foster’s sunglasses gained popularity on the beaches of Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he sold them under the brand name Foster Grant from a Woolworth store on the Boardwalk.
Today, there is an incredible variety of sunglasses available. You can find inexpensive sunglasses at discount stores for just a few dollars. On the other hand, specialty optical shops offer sunglasses that can cost hundreds of dollars.
The type of sunglasses you need and their price will depend on the materials and technologies used. Cheap sunglasses typically use tinted glass or plastic to provide basic sun protection. Depending on the tint color, these sunglasses absorb specific types of light and reflect others. However, these inexpensive sunglasses often do not offer sufficient protection for your eyes.
More expensive sunglasses often feature polarized lenses. These lenses help to reduce glare from horizontal surfaces, such as water or a highway. Polarized glasses only allow vertically-polarized light to pass through, effectively blocking glare from sources like a lake.
High-quality sunglasses also typically provide protection against various types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays from the sun can cause sunburn and various eye problems. However, it’s important to note that high prices do not always guarantee the best protection. Instead of solely relying on the price tag, consider the percentage of UV rays blocked by the sunglasses.
Give It a Try
Ready to have some fun in the sun? Make sure to explore the following activities with a friend or family member:
- If you want to go on a field trip, ask an adult friend or family member to take you to a local optical store. Have a conversation with the employees there about the sunglasses they sell. What types of sunglasses do they have? What kind of protection do they provide? Which sunglasses do they suggest? How much do their sunglasses cost? Enjoy learning more about sunglasses from an expert!
- Sunglasses are not the only things you should use to protect yourself during the summer. Other parts of your body also require protection! Read the Summer Skin Care Tips for Kids online to discover what else you need to do to safeguard yourself from the harmful rays of the sun!
- Even if it is not summer where you are, it does not mean you cannot have fun with sunglasses. Try making the fun Kids’ Summer Sunglasses craft with your friends or family members. Make sure to check the required supplies beforehand, so you can quickly go to the store if needed.
FAQ
1. Do you think wearing cool shades is just a fashion statement?
While cool shades are definitely a fashion statement, they also serve a practical purpose. Sunglasses protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, which can cause various eye problems, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Additionally, wearing shades can reduce glare and improve visibility, especially in bright sunlight or snowy conditions. So, while they may enhance our style, they also play a crucial role in maintaining our eye health.
2. What are the benefits of wearing cool shades?
Wearing cool shades offers several benefits. Firstly, they protect our eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to sunburn of the eyes, known as photokeratitis, or long-term issues like cataracts and even some types of eye cancer.
Secondly, sunglasses reduce glare, making it easier to see in bright conditions. This is particularly useful when driving, as it enhances visibility and reduces the risk of accidents caused by impaired vision.
Lastly, cool shades can also help prevent wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes by shielding them from the sun’s harmful rays.
3. How do I choose the right pair of cool shades?
Choosing the right pair of cool shades is essential for both style and eye protection. Firstly, make sure the sunglasses have 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays. Look for a label or sticker that indicates this.
Consider the shape of your face when selecting sunglasses. Different frame styles suit different face shapes, so try on a few options to find what looks best on you. Additionally, look for sunglasses that fit well and feel comfortable on your nose and ears.
Lastly, consider the lens color. Different lens colors provide different benefits. For example, gray lenses provide natural color perception, while brown lenses enhance contrast and depth perception.
4. Can wearing cool shades at night be harmful?
Wearing cool shades at night can be harmful and is not recommended. Sunglasses are designed to block out bright light, which can make it difficult to see in low-light conditions. When wearing sunglasses at night, your vision may be impaired, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
Furthermore, wearing sunglasses at night can also negatively affect your sleep patterns. Exposure to bright light, even artificial light, can disrupt your body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. So, it’s best to reserve your cool shades for daytime use only.
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