Fashionable eyewear is a trend that has taken the world by storm. It is now common to see people wearing different types of eyewear to enhance their appearance and complement their outfits.
While there is nothing wrong with wanting to look stylish, not many people are aware of the hidden dangers of fashionable eyewear. This article highlights some of the risks that come with wearing fashionable eyewear, and how to avoid them.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Cause Eye Strain
Many fashion eyewear designs come with tinted lenses that are intended to enhance your vision and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. However, these lenses can cause eye strain, especially if worn for long periods.
Some fashion eyewear lenses can distort colors, making it challenging to distinguish between colors, especially green and red.
One way to prevent eye strain while wearing fashion eyewear is to choose a pair that has lenses with anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare.
Additionally, take frequent breaks while wearing glasses for prolonged periods to reduce the strain on your eyes.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Cause Skin Irritations
When it comes to fashion eyewear, the frames are just as important as the lenses. To make their eyewear stylish, designers often use unconventional materials such as plastic, wood, and nickel.
While these materials can add style, they can also cause skin irritations, especially to people with sensitive skin.
Nickel is particularly problematic since it is a common material used in some eyeglass frames. It is also one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis, an itchy, red rash that appears on the skin.
To avoid skin irritations, choose eyewear frames made from hypoallergenic materials such as titanium or stainless steel. Avoid frames with nose pads made from silicone, as they can cause skin irritations to the bridge of your nose.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Pose as Trip Hazards
While fashionable eyewear can enhance your appearance, it can also pose potential trip hazards, especially if you are not used to wearing them. This is particularly true for people who wear glasses for the first time.
It takes time to get used to wearing glasses, and during the adjustment period, you may unknowingly bump into obstacles.
If you are new to glasses, choose a pair that fits you well and has non-slip nose pads. Additionally, be sure to have regular eye exams to ensure that the prescription matches your vision requirements.
Wearing the wrong prescription can cause dizziness and loss of balance, increasing your chances of tripping and falling.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Cause Headaches
Wearing fashionable eyewear can cause headaches, especially if you wear them for an extended period. The weight of the frames and lenses can create pressure on your temples, causing tension headaches.
To avoid headaches, choose eyewear with lighter frames that distribute the weight evenly and have thinner lenses that reduce the weight on your nose bridge.
Additionally, ensure that you have the correct prescription to avoid eye strain, which can also cause headaches.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Be Damaging to Children’s Eyes
Children are much more susceptible to eye damage than adults since their eyes are still developing. Wearing stylish eyewear such as sunglasses can also pose a risk to their eyes.
This is because children’s lenses are more transparent than adults, allowing more UV radiation into their eyes.
To protect your child’s eyes from harmful UV rays, choose eyewear with polarized lenses that block out harmful UV rays.
Additionally, ensure that the eyewear is the right size, not too big or too small, to ensure that it fits their face well and stays in place.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Impact Your Night Vision
Some fashionable eyewear comes with tinted lenses intended to enhance your vision. While this may be helpful during the day, it can negatively impact your night vision.
Tinted lenses can reduce the amount of light that enters your eyes, making it challenging to see at night.
To avoid compromising your night vision, choose eyewear with clear lenses or with anti-reflective coatings that reduce glare and improve visibility.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Be Costly
Most fashionable eyewear comes with a hefty price tag. It’s easy to get caught up with the latest trends and purchase eyewear that you can’t afford.
When you overspend on fashion eyewear, you are likely to under-insure them or not insure them at all. This leaves you vulnerable to financial losses should they get lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair.
Before you purchase fashionable eyewear, consider the cost and ensure you can afford it. Additionally, ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for your eyewear in case of unexpected incidents.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Be Short-lived
As with most fashion trends, eyewear fashion is transient, and what is trendy today may be passé tomorrow. Investing in eyewear that is fashionable today may mean having to purchase newer ones to keep up with current trends, adding to your expenses.
If you do invest in fashionable eyewear, choose classic designs that are not too trendy and can last for long. Additionally, take good care of your eyewear by cleaning them regularly and storing them safely to ensure that they last longer.
Fashionable Eyewear Can Harm the Environment
Most fashionable eyewear comes with plastic frames. These plastic frames are not biodegradable, and when disposed of, they pose a significant environmental risk.
They add to landfills, take years to decompose, and release harmful chemicals to the environment.
If you are concerned about the environment, consider purchasing eyewear made from eco-friendly materials. Some designers are now using bamboo, wood, and recycled materials to make eyewear, reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Fashionable Eyewear Is Best Used as Accessories
While there is no harm in wanting to look fashionable, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks that come with fashion eyewear. The best way to approach fashionable eyewear is to use it as an accessory to your outfit.
This means that you don’t wear eyewear just to be fashionable, but to complement your clothing style.
If you are purchasing eyewear for the first time, consult with your optometrist to ensure that you have the correct prescription and fit. Additionally, choose eyewear made from quality materials that are comfortable to wear and will last for long.