Why you need to wear sunglasses – even in winter

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It’s a well known fact that even in the winter months, with less visible sun, UV is still present, causing subsequent skin damage. The same goes for eyes.

“Sunglasses are much more than just a fashion accessory – they are vital to maintaining healthy eyes, whatever the time of year”, says Ali Mearza, consultant eye surgeon and co-founder of Ophthalmic Consultants of London (OCL).

“The most important role of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultra-violet (UV) light which is invisible to humans but can wreak real damage to our eyesight as well as our skin. UV rays are emitted by the sun whatever the time of year, winter, spring or summer.

The sun’s UV light can cause a range of eye problems including cataracts, which is a clouding of the eye’s lens that blur vision and is very common as people get older. It is estimated that a fifth of cataracts cases are partly caused by exposure to UV light. Sun exposure is also linked to macular degeneration, as UV light damages the retina, and even some forms of astigmatism.”

Ensure you choose sunglasses with full UVA and UVB protection – like these from Gucci, and when you are in bright sunlight ideally wear a hat.

Other steps to maintaining healthy eyes include getting a humidifier if the air is too dry to ensure your eyes get adequate moisture and make sure any heaters in your home come with a good quality air filter to remove allergens from the air.

Lastly, Mearza suggests eating a balanced diet rich in dark leafy greens which will ensure your eyes are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need.

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Main image: Gucci

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Hettie is the editor and co-founder of DOSE. A keen runner, she’s also partial to a blast of high-intensity and hot yoga. A country girl at heart, she divides her time between London and the lush rolling hills of North Devon. When she’s not jetting off on her next adventure, Hettie can be found in a candle-lit alcove with a laptop, a spaniel and a full bodied Malbec.

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