Should you always wear sunglasses while outdoors in summer?
 

I know that exposure to daylight is important in combating depression and regulating various brain/bodily functions (including our body clocks), but does wearing sunglasses inhibit any healthy processes? (I know they're important for protecting against harmful UV rays.) Is getting some daily daylight exposure directly through the eyes important? I'm gradually doing more and more walking outside and I'm wondering whether I should be wearing sunglasses all or only some of the time.

Note: I'm wearing the sunglasses for UV protection (I haven't had any visual overstimulation issues so far - touch wood).

As long as you are getting sufficient amounts of omega-3s, normal amounts of sunlight actually will not harm your eyes.

Sunlight through the eyes is essential for proper production and regulation of melatonin.

Thanks, Eowyn - do you have any source material to support this claim?

That's what Dr. Nedley told us. He had articles to back up his info but I didn't write down the citations.

Interesting.

I've been wearing my sunglasses every time I go outside, the bright light just hurts too much. I even keep the house dark to help minimize my discomfort. (Blinds closed, tin foil on the bedroom windows so I can sleep in the day time).

Edited to add that I also wear sunglasses inside grocery stores and doctors offices, anywhere the lights are bright, annoying and hurtful. I also wear my hat to cut the glare from above my sunglasses.

Starr

Try this: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science...50946204000527

And also: http://www.sharecare.com/question/ho...ht-affect-mood (see the answer by Discovery Health)

Hi there,
I don't have much medical advice about this but I know that light sensitivity is a problem for me (more then a problem). My house is always dark I have one dim light on and that's it most of the time. I also can't stand stores or sun. I don't wear sunglasses because I get dizzy from seeing the rims of them but I might be better off if I did. Everytime I walk out into light I stop, I see white and only white, I have to instantly close my eyes and I get a shooting pain in my head that nearly brings me to my knees its the same if I walk into a bright store or something. When driving if the sun or at night a car lights hit my eyes its the same thing...my eyes automatically shut idk if it is a reaction or if I do it (I don't think about doing it and haven't been able to not do it) but my eyes shut and I get tht pain and see white. I no longer drive in the dark (unless needed) and well being tht I'm only about 5ft tall I can't get rid of the sun and my visor isn't long enough nor does it cover the side. But from my experiences it may be safer to wear sunglasses at least when the light is very bright.

Wow, I feel like an idiot. I just re-read your post and mine and realized that I wasn't on topic at all. Sorry about that! My brain doesn't focus so well sometimes. But if you do experience discomfort from the sun I would advise sunglasses if not I haven't heard of regular exposure to sunlight being harmful. I have heard that direct and excessive exposure to the uv rays can be damaging tho.

Yeah, of course if you are having light sensitivity you should wear sunglasses or whatever you need to make that work. I think greenfrog was asking about if you are NOT having that, if it's more beneficial to wear them or not wear them.

I guess I would be worried about overdoing it, even if omega-3s or other nutrients may be able to repair some of the damage. I'm now typically walking for around 70-90 mins per day (I would like to work up to about 2 x 60 min walks). In the bright summer sun, that is a lot of UV exposure. I am going to try to ensure I get direct light exposure some of the time, but will probably wear sunglasses at other times.