Do Your Eyes Need the Vitamin D from Sunlight?

Throwing on your sunglasses is a habit for most people, one that can be as important to their outfit choice as it is to shield their eyes from the glare. However, you may have also heard that your eyes need the sun to maintain optimal visual health. Below, we’ll look at how Vitamin D impacts your eyes and what you can do to strike the best balance.

Vitamin D and Eye Health

Vitamin D, whether it comes from the sun or supplements, is good for your visual health. It’s associated with reduced risk of everything from glaucoma to cataracts to age-related blindness.It may even help younger people with their distance vision, particularly teenagers. Plus, eye doctors in Champaign, IL will tell you that Vitamin D strengthens your bones, supports your immune system, and helps you keep on a good sleep schedule.

Do I Need Sunglasses in Champaign, IL?

Yes, you’ll still need to wear sunglasses. While the Vitamin D from the sunshine is great for your eyes, the dangers of the UV rays can unfortunately cancel out the benefits of Vitamin D. This is where some people may need to perform more of a balancing act than others.

For instance, if you have a history of sun cancer in the family, you may not want to leave your eyes exposed to the sun for too long (because you can’t use sunscreen on your eyelids). However, for most people, it pays to give your eyes short breaks from sunglasses (or to at least start to take Vitamin D supplements if they’re in short supply.

If you’re looking for either regular or prescription sunglasses in Champaign, IL, the team at Champaign Eye Professionals can help you find a style that can protect your eyes from the worst of the sun’s glint.