A self-portrait after my 12k trail run on Angel Island.
Most people would assume that sunglasses would be an issue of fashion, not health. Yet ultraviolet (UV) eye protection is just as important as the use of sunscreen on your skin.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can cause vision damage, ultimately resulting in cataracts and macular degeneration. Betty — a woman who was raised on a farm and spent most of her childhood outdoors doing chores and running track — had cataracts removed from both eyes in her 60s. Once she learned the likely cause of her vision problems, she became obsessed with wearing the biggest, most protective sunglasses that she could get her hands on.
Being the sort of person who’s completely terrified of eye doctors and eye surgeries, I’ve always spent the extra money for a pair of prescription sunglasses, complete with glare-reducing polarized lenses. But last year was the first year that I sprung for a pair of really serious glare-reducing glasses, Oakley Flak Jacket. Not only do they not slip off my face when I’m running, but they offer great wraparound protection and eliminate a lot of the squinting that happens when the light sneaks in the side of a regular pair of sunglasses. I love them so much that I’m considering getting a second, less-sporty pair this year for more all-around use.
So before summer arrives and you find yourself spending every free minute outdoors, invest in a good pair of sunglasses. Your eyes will thank you.
Tags: cataracts, eyes, macular degeneration, oakley, sunglasses, ultraviolet, uv, vision
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