MORE THAN AN ACCESSORY: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUNGLASSES TO PREVENT PREMATURE AGEING

When we think of sunglasses, our minds often conjure up images of stylish accessories that add uniqueness to an outfit. But while sunglasses can be a great accessory, it's important to remember that they serve a greater purpose beyond being a fashion statement.

The human body has the innate ability to heal itself, but as we age and go through daily life, this healing requires more active participation on our part. For example, herbs are important for regulating hormones and strengthening our bodies from the inside, but what about the outside? This is where sunglasses come in. Using tools such as sunscreen and sunglasses to fend off environmental damage from UV rays is key to protecting ourselves from sun damage and preventing premature signs of ageing.

If you truly want to take advantage of sunglasses' abilities to prevent premature ageing around the eyes, you'll need to know what to look for. Read on to learn more about how sunglasses protect you and how to choose the right pair.

PREVENTING PREMATURE-AGEING

Fine lines and wrinkles can appear around the outer corners of our eyes, which are often associated with age and sun damage. The delicate skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible to UV damage, as it is thinner and more prone to wrinkling. By wearing sunglasses regularly, you create a shield against the sun's harmful UV rays, protecting this sensitive area from sun exposure and thereby reducing the risk of developing crow's feet.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SUNGLASSES

To maximise the anti-aging benefits of sunglasses, choosing a pair that suits your style and offers adequate protection is crucial. Here are some factors to consider when selecting sunglasses.

UV PROTECTION

Lens technology for UV protection is an entirely separate matter from regular tints. The American Optometric Association actually warns that dark sunglasses with no UV-blocking lens technology can be more damaging to the eyes than not wearing eye protection at all. That’s because they tend to open the pupil, allowing more UV rays to penetrate the eye.

Most reputable eyewear brands include labels on UVA and UVB absorbance rates. The solid lenses of Ray-Ban, for instance, absorb 85% of visible light in compliance with the guidelines of the American National Standards Institute. Brands like Oakley and Maui Jim are known for their high-quality lenses offering excellent UV protection.

POLARISED LENSES

Repetitive movements such as squinting your eyes can also lead to crow's feet. To help minimise eye strain, polarised lenses use a special chemical that reduces glare and enhances visual clarity. This makes them ideal for outdoor activities, with polarized lenses from Costa Del Mar targeting water sports enthusiasts and lenses from Oakley targeting a wide range of athletes from cyclers to snowboarders.

PRESCRIPTION

Prescription sunglasses combine the functionality of prescription eyewear with the protection of sunglasses. Those who require corrective lenses won’t have to compromise one for the other — meaning no more squinting from blurry vision caused by regular sunglasses or exposing their eyes to UV rays with regular prescription glasses.

Many popular eyewear brands with UV-blocking lens technology, such as the aforementioned Ray-Ban and Oakley, offer a wide range of prescription sunglasses. You can explore online catalogs to find the perfect pair that suits your style and simply add on your prescription requirements. Whether it’s the classic Ray-Ban aviators, the Prada Conceptual, or even the Arnette Shyguy, these sunglasses can provide a stylish solution for your vision needs.

FRAME SIZE AND COVERAGE

To minimise sun exposure and reduce the chances of crow's feet formation, it’s best to opt for sunglasses with larger frames or wraparound styles. This provides ample coverage to the delicate skin around the eyes. Oversized sunglasses, from 1970s-inspired super oversized square sunnies to retro-inspired aviators, not only offer great coverage but also add a fashionable touch to your look. These have been a staple in wardrobes for over a decade and have also been worn continuously by various celebrities if you're looking for style inspiration.

Make sure to combine your usage of sunglasses with a healthy lifestyle and complement outer protection with inner protection through modern herbalism or a healthy diet. By taking a holistic approach to protecting your eye health, your eyes will stay youthful and radiant for years to come.