Why you should always wear sunglasses every time you step outside – as eye expert warns of skin cancer risk

AN eye expert has warned why you should wear sunglasses every time you step outside – not doing so could risk serious conditions like cataracts and skin cancer.

With 52 per cent only popping on sunglasses when it’s sunny, eye care expert Ayad Shafiq warns that those who save sunnies for the summer are putting their vision at risk.

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Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses can significantly lower your risk of many serious eye-related conditions[/caption]

The poll of 2,000 adults also found just 36 per cent wear shades when the skies are overcast, with only 24 per cent wearing them throughout the year.

And this is despite UV rays being able to penetrate cloud cover and reflect off surfaces like water, sand and snow.

Ayad Shafiq, the cataract clinical lead from Newmedica, commented on the study commissioned by Specsavers: “Protecting your eyes from UV rays is essential to reduce the long-term risk of serious conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyelids.

“Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can significantly lower this risk.

“However, it’s important to note that individuals with existing cataracts or macular degeneration often require enhanced lighting to see clearly, so their need for light must be balanced carefully with UV protection.

“Consulting an eye care professional can help tailor the right approach for each individual.”

Worryingly, nearly one in five (18 per cent) mistakenly believe darker lenses provide better protection – when in fact, UV defence has nothing to do with the tint of the lens.

As a result, 23 per cent have bought sunglasses under this misconception.

A quarter wrongly believe sunglasses block all types of light damage, while 22 per cent assume they never expire – both of which are false.

In fact, eight per cent admit they rarely wear sunglasses even when it is sunny.

Among these, 32 per cent say it’s simply not a habit they’ve picked up, and 26 per cent find them inconvenient due to wearing prescription glasses.

When it comes to choosing new shades, Brits typically spend less than 30 minutes researching the right pair.

Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) admit they don’t wear them often enough to justify putting much effort into the decision.

Over half (55 per cent) of these want a pair that suits their face shape, and 47 per cent feel more confident when they like how they look in sunglasses.

Whereas it is essential for 31 per cent to match them with their personal style, according to the data conducted via OnePoll.

That said, many Brits are aware of the potential long-term damage UV rays can cause – with retinal damage (41 per cent), photokeratitis (29 per cent) and cataracts (27 per cent) rated most highly.

However, over a third (36 per cent) don’t associate cataracts with UV exposure, believing the condition is purely age-related.

And 32 per cent say they’ve never seen any public health messaging linking the two.

According to the research, nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) admit they don’t know much about cataracts – even though 56 per centare worried about developing them.