Some people like sunglasses, and some people do not. One thing for sure is it is a survival item that needs to be kept in your bag. Personally, I like them, and I wear them whenever I am going to be outside. Here is why you need to where them too.
I recently visited an optometrist shortly after I moved up in elevation (over 5000 ft). The optometrist said, “You are wearing sunglasses when you are out and about, correct?”
My response was, “Yes, I wear only polarized sunglasses or these prescription glasses that are super reactive polarized transition lenses.”
I did ask why I would need to wear them for those of you who don’t like to wear sunglasses (or tend to forget). The optometrist’s response was as we go higher in elevation, so does the radiation exposure. Regardless of whether you are at elevation or at sea level, wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation is important. It is even more important at elevation because the radiation is that much more intense. This can cause a cataract in your eye, which will require surgery to remove it.
I won’t go into the scientific reasoning behind all of this, but in the end, wear sunglasses, or at least wear a hat with a wide brim to cover your eye from direct sunlight. If you don’t have eye protection, limit outdoor activities when the radiation is at its peak between 10am and 4pm in your time zone.
Just pack one wherever you go, and you won’t have this be the cause of the cataract.
