International Sunglasses Day: why you should wear them

National Sunglasses Day 2023 is June 27, a day created by The Vision Council to encourage those in the optical industry to spread awareness of the vital role that eyewear plays in protecting our eyes against UV rays. You can use the hashtag #sunglassselfie or #nationalsunglassesday on social media to show your support.

• Why are sunglasses important?
• Do I need to wear sunglasses on sunny days?
• What are the best sunglasses?
• High-quality sunglasses at an affordable price

Sunglasses are undoubtedly a fashion accessory, but many people don’t think about the important function they serve in protecting our eyes. National Sunglasses Day 2023 is June 27, a day created by The Vision Council to encourage those in the optical industry to spread awareness of the vital role that eyewear plays in protecting our eyes against UV rays. You can use the hashtag #sunglassselfie or #nationalsunglassesday on social media to show your support.

Too much sunlight exposure over time can negatively impact your eye health, read more to find out how to protect your eyes in style.

Why are sunglasses important?

When we don’t wear UV-protective sunglasses outside, the UV light from the sun can cause issues over time. Too much UV exposure can significantly increase your chances of developing cataracts.

When the eyes experience too much UV light, the proteins within the lens of the eye breaks down and starts to clump together, preventing light from entering the eye properly and causes blurry vision. A pair of shades can go a long way towards maintaining good eye health.

Do I only need to wear sunglasses on sunny days?

UV light can still penetrate cloud, which is why you should wear sunglasses every single day, no matter what the weather is doing.

If you’re near a lake/the ocean or on ski slopes, sunlight can reflect off shiny surfaces and cause snow blindness (a form of photokeratitis) that essentially causes a sunburn on your eyes.

“It’s important to wear sunglasses every day to protect your eyes from UV damage. Try to make it a habit to take sunglasses with you whenever you leave the house.” – Wut Win, Dispensing Optician.

What are the best sunglasses?

In terms of protection, there are some features you should look out for when selecting which sunglasses to wear.

Polarised

Standard sunglasses can sometimes cause uncomfortable glare when sunlight reflects off shiny surfaces, but not so with polarised sunglasses. Polarised lenses help to prevent unwanted glare from the sun for more comfortable vision.

Wrap-around frames

With standard sunglasses that don’t wrap around, the sun can often get into the corners of the frame, either from above or through the side. Wrap-around sunglasses are the best at providing coverage from the sun, as the frame gives protection from all angles.

Wrap-style frames have also recently re-gained popularity with the Gen-Z crowd as the rise of 90’s fashion is still dominating the trends.

UV protection

Most sunglasses offer UV protection, but you shouldn’t assume that all do! When the frame has a ‘CE’ or ‘UKCA’ mark written on the temple, this means that the product meets the health and safety standards of Great Britain or the European Union. You can also find written on the temples ‘UV 400’ or ‘100% protection against UVA and UVB rays’.

High-quality sunglasses at an affordable price

If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that offer exceptional protection and style, you’ve come to the right place. All the sunglasses sold at Feel Good Contacts provide 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. You can also get a generous 10% discount on your first order with us, giving you style for less. We stock a huge range of sought-after designer brands such as:

• Ray-Ban
• Prada
• Versace
• Chloe
• Victoria Beckham
• Hugo Boss

Have you tried our virtual try-on feature? If not, here’s your cue, try from a range of sunglasses, and see which style and model suits you the best!