An Optometrist Is Begging People To Stop This Common Habit ASAP
An Optometrist Is Begging People To Stop This Common Habit ASAP originally appeared on Parade.
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Whether you have contacts, glasses or 20/20 vision, it’s important to take care of your eyes as you age. From concerns about eye health and vision changes to just general, preventative eyecare, optometrists or ophthalmologists can help not only with regular exams but lifestyle tips as well. And this summer, an eye doctor is begging men and women to stop one common habit, in particular.
Dr. Robert Steinmetz, O.D., F.A.A.O., tells Parade why this one habit is a bigger mistake than most people realize and what easy fix is out there to take advantage of for your eye health.
The One Common Habit To Avoid This Summer, According to an Optometrist
What mistake do you need to stop making ASAP (especially with the sun finally being out again)? Squinting!
“Your body’s natural response to bright light is to squint,” Dr. Steinmetz begins telling Parade.
And while you might have prescription sunglasses to help prevent squinting while you’re driving or walking around in the summer, some people need sun protection for a different activity: reading.
“When you make a habit out of reading outdoors for even short periods of time, you develop a habit of damaging healthy tissue resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and even cataracts,” he warns.
It’s hard enough to remember the sunscreen, snacks and drinks you need for the beach, but grabbing the right eyewear is just as important before heading outside.
“Many over-the-counter reading glasses do not offer 100% UV protection,” Dr. Steinmetz tells Parade, explaining that, often, the reading glasses that people carry with them leave much to be desired when it comes to eye protection.
Why UV Protection for Your Eyes Is So Important
“There has been an increased focus on proper regulation of skin care products and SPF ratings over the last several years—many patients go to great lengths to purchase high quality sunscreen to protect their skin and the skin of their loved ones, but they often neglect the most vulnerable area on the face which is the thinner skin around the eyes and the eye itself,” Dr. Steinmetz explains. “Most patients avoid these areas when applying sunscreen to prevent the stinging sensation of the inevitable combination of sunscreen and sweat that creates a burning, chemical-laced tear film that covers the front of the eye.”
It’s an understandable problem that even optometrists can relate to.
“As a father of two young boys, I know the challenges of covering this sensitive area with sunscreen and the reaction I get when they unintentionally create this sensation when rubbing their eyes,” he continues. “This is why I always have my children wearing high-quality polarized, UV-protective sunglasses as enhanced protection.”
This factor is crucial.
“The front clear covering of the eye called the cornea is prone to UV exposure and can be sunburned just as easily as other exposed skin cells on the body,” Dr. Steinmetz tells Parade. “The only way to fully protect the cornea is to wear premium, polarized sunglasses with 100% UV protection. The problem with many sunglasses on the market is that they are not FDA regulated. They may have stickers applied to the front of the lens that make claims that these displayed sunglasses are UV protective when in reality, they were never inspected. This is very common for sunglasses sold at gas stations or drug stores at discount prices. To make matters worse, these inexpensive sunglasses often contain darker tints that allow the pupil inside the eye to open even wider under these shaded conditions. This now allows for even more UV light to enter the eye and cause additional damage. A patient can be causing much greater harm to the health of their eye by purchasing these discount sunglass lenses with unsubstantiated claims and then spending significant time in the sun.”
The Long-Term Impact
“Aging, combined with long-term exposure to UV light, is the main cause of cataract development,” Dr. Steinmetz says. “We can slow this process by wearing quality sunglasses outdoors. In addition to protecting the lens of the eye, sunglasses also afford protection for the retina, which is a thin, complex layer of cells inside the eye. Light needs to pass through this tissue on the way to the optic nerve in order for the brain to process an image.”
“While UVA and UVB light are not essential to sight, these wavelengths can cause harmful changes in pigmented cells inside the retinal and can lead to cancerous growths inside the eye,” he continues. “This is why it is so important for patients that spend time in the sun to have an annual eye exam so that the retina can be evaluated for any pigmented changes in addition to signs of macular degeneration and glaucoma.”
Prescription Sunglasses vs. Sunglass Readers
“As someone in their late 40’s that requires correction for astigmatism, I appreciate the difference between a high-quality UV prescription sunglasses from my office versus the predetermined power of reader sunglasses,” Dr. Steinmetz shares. “Most patients my age have low amounts of astigmatism and use readers indoors successfully for long periods of time. If patients are comfortable with their high-quality readers indoors, they are a great candidate for outdoor reader sunglasses.”
And how are sunglass readers different, exactly?
“Sunglass readers allow for a full field of view throughout the lens which provides for clearer, more comfortable vision,” he explains. “Whether my patients are in a reclined position or tanning on their side, their vision is crisp and clear at any angle where their reading material is held due to the single vision optics available throughout the entire lens in their sunglass readers.”
eyebobs, a leading brand of unique, artistic eyewear, explains, “Reader sunglasses combine reading magnification with sun protection, making them perfect for outdoor activities like reading by the pool, at the beach or gardening.”
But if you’re not sure if you should pursue sunglass readers or prescription sunglasses, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your eye doctor.
“If a patient is ever unsure, they should have a comprehensive eye examination to receive a proper recommendation from an eye care professional,” he explains. “This age group is also more susceptible to sight threatening eye conditions which can only be detected during a comprehensive exam.”
Where To Buy Reader Sunglasses
Whether you’re at your eye doctor or you’re browsing online, the most important thing is to look for reader sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Sites like eyebobs and Foster Grant tout this feature.
“All eyebobs reader sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, helping to prevent sun damage and eye strain,” their website states. Their magnification options typically range from +1.00 to +4.00, and they have a ton of fun styles that can make a bold, confident statement as you read outside on the porch or at the beach this summer.
Source:
- Dr. Robert Steinmetz, O.D., F.A.A.O., is the CEO and co-founder of Union Eyes LLC, the co-owner of SoLo Eye Care & Eyewear Gallery in Chicago, and the co-founder and principal of iCare Advisors, LLC which is a consulting firm dedicated to helping doctors around the country open cold start optometric private practices.
An Optometrist Is Begging People To Stop This Common Habit ASAP first appeared on Parade on Jun 5, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
