You probably have heard of all the reasons why you should wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays even when the sun is not its most visible. As a result, you may wear sunscreen to protect your skin as often as you can remember to apply it before going outside. Now that you are protecting your skin, did you know that you should also be protecting your eyes?

If you already wear sunglasses, you are already protecting your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. If you are not in the habit of wearing specs when you step outside, it is time to consider starting this new ritual. Sunglasses, including recycled skateboard sunglasses, are great accessories that top off an outfit. In some cities, like Los Angeles, wearing shades is what people do as part of the culture, but their eyes are also reaping the benefits of the specs.

Here are three health benefits your eyes will enjoy when you routinely wear sunglasses outside.

Cataracts Prevention

Research has found that 20% of individuals who expose their eyes to the sun’s UV rays without protection over time will develop cataracts. Cataracts is an eye condition that causes a portion of your eyesight to become blurry. A cloud within your eye will form and when you attempt to see through that cloud, what you see will be a bit distorted.

Macular Degeneration Prevention

Exposing your eyes to the sun’s UV rays without protection can cause macular degeneration. An incurable eye disease, macular degeneration occurs when the eye’s retina is damaged. A person’s central vision is thereby damaged, too, and in the worst case scenarios, blindness will result.

Pterygium Prevention

Pterygium occurs when tissue grows over the white portion of a person’s eyeball. The growth will alter the shape of the eyeball and lead to astigmatism. Research shows that extended exposure of the eye to the sun UV’s ray without protection can cause and accelerate this condition.

Sunglasses, today, are made from a variety of materials and are available in an array of styles and sizes. Once you have found the pair, or pairs, that suit your budget, style and fit, ensure that each pair blocks out at least 99% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Not only will you step outside in style, you will also contribute to your vision’s sustained health.