If you’ve been loving eyebobs for more than a minute, you know we don’t take eyewear lightly. We design every pair with a purpose – not just to turn heads, but to take care of what’s behind the lenses: your eyes. So, in honor of Cataract Awareness Month, let’s talk about something that’s not exactly cocktail party conversation, but possibly should be: cataracts.
While we’re usually the first to tell you how fabulous you look in your new shades, today we want to shine some light on how the right eyewear can do more than elevate your outfit. It can help protect your vision for years to come.
Cataracts 101
A cataract is when the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy. It develops slowly, often due to aging, but also from sun exposure, health conditions like diabetes, smoking, eye injuries, or even long-term use of steroids. Eventually, cataracts can blur your vision, dim colors, and make driving at night feel like navigating a disco-ball alley.
In short? They’re no joke.
Over 25 million Americans have cataracts, and that number is projected to hit 38 million by 2032. Most cases appear after age 40, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re only a retirement problem. UV exposure is a major contributor, which means your sunglasses are more than just fashion-forward. They’re future-focused.
So, What’s Cataract Awareness Month?
Launched by Prevent Blindness, Cataract Awareness Month exists to do exactly what the name implies: get people thinking (and talking) about cataracts. That includes causes, symptoms, treatment options, and most importantly, how to help prevent them in the first place.
Because we believe that clear vision is always worth celebrating, and because sunglasses are one of our love languages, we think June is the perfect time to stop and ask: are you doing enough to protect your eyes?
Let’s Talk UV: What Sunglasses Can Do for You
UV protection isn’t as simple as slapping on any old, tinted lens. If your shades aren’t blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays, they’re about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine.
Here’s what quality shades should do:
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Block 100% UVA/UVB rays. Look for UV400 or “100% UV protection” on the label.
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Reduce glare. That goes double if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially on the water.
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Protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Did you know up to 10% of all skin cancers are found around the eyes?
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Help slow the progression of cataracts. Bingo.
Bonus: A great pair of sunglasses can also prevent wrinkles, particularly if you’re a prolific squinter. Really, is there anything they can’t do?
How to Choose the Right Sunglasses
When it comes to something as important as your vision, it helps to know what you’re looking for. Here are our top tips for finding your forever sunnies.
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Prioritize protection. 100% UV protection isn’t just nice to have; it’s the bare minimum.
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Fit = everything. Look for frames that sit comfortably on your nose, don’t pinch your temples, and cover your entire eye area. If you’re looking to max out on wrinkle-busting, you’ll want to do your best Iris Apfel impression – oversized is the way to go.
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Consider polarization. Polarized lenses reduce glare and enhance detail, making them great for outdoor sports, fishing trips, and giving yourself a manicure on the patio.
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Choose the style that speaks to you. Round, square, aviator, cat-eye, geometric – no wrong answers. When your eyewear reflects your personality, you’re more likely to wear it. Often.
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Get prescription lenses if you need them. Yes, you can (and should) have sunglasses that correct your vision and shield your eyes. We make that part easy.
Explore our guide to sunglasses for outdoor activities if you’re still not sure where to start.
The Good News: Cataracts Are Treatable
If you do develop cataracts, as many will, there is a bright side. Cataract surgery is safe, effective, and very common. An ophthalmologist simply removes your clouded lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one, often improving your vision dramatically.
Even with today’s advanced treatments, though, surgery is still … well, it’s surgery. You don’t need to wait until your vision is suffering to find a fix when there are easy preventative steps you can take right now.
Your Future Vision Starts Today
You can’t guarantee you’ll avoid cataracts completely, but you can lower your risk by doing the following.
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Wear sunglasses every time you’re outside. Yes, even on cloudy days. UV rays don’t take breaks.
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Eat your colors. Fruits and veggies, especially those rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, are great for eye health.
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Quit smoking. Easier said than done, but your eyes (lungs, and skin) will thank you.
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Exercise regularly. It supports overall circulation and eye health. Have you tried Zumba?
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Get annual eye exams. This one’s non-negotiable. Early detection is key to protecting your vision.
Sunglasses PSA: This Is Your Sign to Upgrade
If your sunglasses are older than your Beanie Baby collection, it might be time for an upgrade. UV coatings can wear off, styles can date, and you deserve eyewear that’s as protective as it is flattering.
At eyebobs, our sunglasses are made with premium materials, optical-quality lenses, and bold-as-you-want-to-be frame styles. Whether you’re looking for statement patterns or monochrome metal, every pair is designed to keep your eyes sharp and your mirror happy.
This might not be news to you, but you only get one pair of eyes. Cataract Awareness Month is about making sure you’re keeping those precious little orbs in tip-top shape for as long as possible. And hey – if you can look amazing and take care of your vision at the same time, that’s a no-brainer.
So this June (and every other month), throw on those sunglasses with pride. You’re not just owning your look. You’re making an investment in the most important accessory you’ll ever own: your eyes.
Ready to find the pair that speaks to you? Let’s do this.
