Most Malaysians don’t wear sunglasses for protection against UV but to be seen as being on point with current trends, according to recent statistics. Style is often the key priority and not the level of protection a pair of sunglasses is able to provide.
Even for those who do spend a considerable amount of time in the sun, such as golfers, runners, cyclists and those who drive, sunglasses are viewed as an accessory to complete their looks or merely as a collectible to diversify their wardrobe
Malaysians just aren’t wearing sunglasses often enough. Maybe it’s because we spend a lot more time indoors gives us the impression that we don’t need to (protect our eyes).
Being myopic is another stumbling block. With the high incidence of spectacle wearing locally, it is inconvenient to change to sunglasses, unless they are purpose-built with the refractive error. Clip-on sunglasses are available but they look less cool, so they are far less popular.
Given our equatorial location, where we’re surrounded by intense UV rays all year round, it seems counterintuitive that not many of us step out of the building with sunglasses on. Instead, we’d rather squint, shield our eyes with our hands or open up an umbrella (UV rays can still be reflected off the pavement and into your eyes) while waiting to cross the road under the hot sun.
We are damaging our eyes slowly when we chose not to wear sunglasses. But when we do put on sunglasses, chances are, we are protecting our eyes.
You probably don’t realise it now as the effects of UV exposure – such as pterygiums and cataracts – take decades to manifest. It is commonly seen in elderly with long history of exposure.
Ask us more about UV and Sunglasses. Visit our site: mataclinic.com for more information.
