Sunglasses are one of the world’s most ubiquitous fashion accessories. They define style for many and have had a huge impact on cementing a lot of fashion trends.
We love them on our favourite celebrities and adore them when it sits on our nose, amplifying our confidence.
However, even though sunglasses are extremely popular among the masses, they’re still considered to be a luxurious commodity.
But should they be chained down as a luxury item that only works as a styling
accomplice?
Or is there more to them?
Sunglasses are more than just for style
The earliest known use of sunglasses can be traced back to the early tribes in the Arctic who wore glasses made of walrus ivory, leather, wood, or bone and used them to block the glare from the snow and ice.
So you see glasses were never meant to be a styling partner but a tool necessary for survival. Now, of course, the times have changed and our survival isn’t that complicated, but sunglasses too have changed with time.
Sunglasses have witnessed a major shift in how they look and complement your overall outfit, but they have also improved upon the functional and utility aspects that have a myriad of benefits.
They do a lot for your fashion sense, but they can do a lot more for your eyes as well.
Sunglasses protect
We all love the outdoors; the bright sunny sky makes us happy and cheerful. But we do need to be wary of the harsh effects of the sun.
Studies have shown that just as our skin can suffer from sun damage due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, UV exposure can also lead to the development of several damaging eye conditions.
Overexposure to UV rays without proper eye protection has been associated with the progression of cataracts, macular degeneration, skin cancer around and other conditions. All of these could lead to vision loss over time.
By using the right pair of UV protected sunglasses, you’re not only safeguarding your eyes from UV rays but also maintaining the overall well-being of your eyes.
Not just that, you have anti-blue glasses that protect your eyes from the harmful blue rays from digital screens. And polarized sunglasses that block out glare from the sun that could otherwise hinder your vision in sunny environments.
We love sunglasses for how they look and make us look, but it’s their efficiency and practical usability that really seals the deal among the regular wearers.
Are they worth the cost?
The cost of sunglasses has also pushed the narrative of them being considered a luxury. But if you’re a sunglasses aficionado, you must be aware that the benefits always justify the cost.
When you buy sunglasses from street vendors, they often offer tantalizing knockoffs of designer shades at a fraction of the price. Those products aren’t regulated and there’s no assurance that they do what they promise to do.
A quality pair of sunglasses is an investment that’ll reward you in the long run. If you prefer a style with substance, then spending more on a pair that delivers you the best of both worlds is always a good idea.
So, if your desired name-brand shades feature durable frame and lens materials, effectively shields against UV rays, and provide a comfortable fit in your preferred style, they could be well worth the investment.
Conclusion
Sunglasses are for many things – they’re for style, safety, protection, confidence and joy. They have influenced our lives in a great way and will continue to do so.
It is that impact and benefits they provide that make sunglasses a necessity for everyone rather than a luxury only accessible to some.