Why You Should Wear Sunglasses When Driving

Sunday Shades Sunglasses for Driving

Sunglasses are among the many items sold in a petrol station these days. Sunglasses are not mere fashion accessories. Rather, they’re essential for driving safely in certain conditions. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why sunglasses are so important to safe driving and what kind of sunglasses to look out for if you’re getting a pair.
 
We have sunny weather in Singapore all year round, save for a few rainy days. Even then, the rain doesn’t last all day. We’ve all experienced this: just as the rain starts to lighten up, the bright sunlight shines through. Depending on the angle of the sun, we might be momentarily blinded by the bright light. Or, the rain causes a dispersal of the bright sunlight, the resulting glare can even cause a seasoned driver great discomfort.

Here are four reasons why it is important to don a pair of sunglasses when you are driving:

Promotes Clearer Vision

As we have just mentioned, you might have seen some people wearing sunglasses while driving in the rain. It may seem crazy but there is a reason behind that. Wearing polarized sunglasses may actually help to improve clarity.

The reason because rain scatters light and along with light from headlights of oncoming vehicles, it can be extremely distracting. Scattered light under such driving conditions is akin to driving in the fog. By putting on a pair of sunglasses, it is possible to cut down on the scattered light, enhancing visibility for the driver.

Protection from Glare

Similarly, drivers’ vision can be impaired by the blinding glare of the sun. This is especially dangerous when a person is driving in the mountains. With every bend, you might never know when you might be turning into the direct path of the sunlight. During sunrises and sunsets, when the sun is low, it can be very blinding if you are driving towards the sun. A driver, even momentarily blinded by the sun during these times, can miss a bend – with disastrous consequences. 

Under normal circumstances, light scatters in all directions; but, when it strikes a flat, horizontal surface, it becomes polarized. Due to the extreme reflection of light, glare is produced, which limits overall visibility. Especially vulnerable to glare are drivers, who must contend with the sun's reflection off horizontal surfaces such as the road and the hood of their vehicle, making it difficult to see properly. When you wear a pair of shades with polarized sunglasses, glare is reduced. The reason is that the special filter in the polarized lenses prevents light reflected by horizontal surfaces from passing through. Therefore, wearing polarized sunglasses while driving may help you see more clearly and keep you safer on the roads.

Maintaining Eye Health

When our eyes are exposed to strong sunlight, we naturally squint our eyes to block out the light emitted by the sun. This is especially so if you are not wearing sunglasses. Yet, squinting your eyes may result in eye strain, headaches, and, in rare cases, nausea and vomiting. While driving, wearing sunglasses may help to keep your eyes and body healthy by reducing glare.

Protection from UV Rays

Last but not least, our environment abounds with harmful UV rays. Studies have established that frequent exposure to UV rays can result in the formation of cataracts or macular degeneration.

In addition to the possibility of acquiring cataracts, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation might result in the growth of pterygium. Pterygium is a non-cancerous pink growth that develops on the layer of conjunctiva that covers the white of your eye. It is believed that ultraviolet radiation from the sun has a role in the formation of these growths.

Have you ever heard of the term "snow blindness"? Photokeratitis is the medical term for the illness often referred to as snow blindness. It is caused by brief exposure to exceptionally intense light, such as that seen on a snow-covered mountain or at the seashore. It may be very painful and may result in temporary vision loss.

We have all heard about skin cancer. As the name suggests, skin cancer occurs on the skin. According to studies, prolonged UV exposure has also been linked to skin cancer in and around the eyelids. Eyelid cancer is quite common, making up 5 to 10% of all skin cancers.

Wearing a good pair of sunglasses can protect you from the harmful effects of UV rays. Sunday Shades has a wide selection of quality sunglasses that will protect your eyes. While Sunday Shades sunglasses are very easy on the pocket, they are made from quality materials. Each pair of Sunday Shades sunglasses is very light – just 22g. They are specially designed for the Asian-profile, so they fit comfortably and snugly. Check out their online store now!