Summer is drawing to a close. Looking back, this summer came on strong, and its vigor drove us outdoors, as a sort of way to make up for the “long winter” we had. It was much longer than usual for a season.
We certainly don’t need a magnifying glass to see the challenges of the past two years. There have been so many restrictions, so many masks, and so many other fears—a veritable invitation to isolation. This runs counter to the principles of human nature. It is worth remembering that the benefits of outdoor life, in and of themselves, are essential not only for mental health but also for vision. Leaving enclosed spaces and increasing the multifocal dynamism of our eyes brings countless benefits to visual functions. The static posture of desk work requires greater fixation, contributing to increased tension in the eye’s muscular system and dryness caused by insufficient blinking. The heavy strain on the external muscles, responsible for eye movements, and the internal muscles, responsible for accommodation, is a cause of eye strain and a gateway to increased problems with binocular vision and refraction. It is fair to say that we would all benefit from spending more time outdoors to improve our mental and visual health. Gazing at the horizon triggers relaxation mechanisms in the ocular system, reducing the risks of visual fatigue, which is responsible for low levels of concentration and attention.
Modern societies are grappling with the need to balance work and personal life. It is a timely and essential issue for well-being in organizations, as well as for improving performance, productivity, and happiness. Today, collective awareness and behavior tend to be more sustainable. Changing behaviors is leading to healthier choices. Diet is a clear example. While physical exercise initially focused primarily on the body and the cult of fitness, its widespread adoption reflects a general concern for preventive health. Obviously, the health paradigm also applies to the eyes and visual health. The appeal of outdoor life also comes with certain risks, and these must be kept in mind. While sunlight is a source of life, excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to serious health problems in the skin and eyes. While the skin plays a significant role in vitamin D synthesis, the retina, through its neurotransmitters, is key in stimulating the production of serotonin, the “happiness hormone.”
For people with normal vision (those who do not need prescription lenses), the choice is entirely up to them. The style of the glasses and the color of the lenses are a matter of personal preference. For those who wear prescription glasses, a prescription from a specialist is essential. Given that manufacturers produce a wide variety of lenses with a range of technical features, the options include single-vision or progressive lenses, solid colors, gradient tints, photochromic lenses, mirrored lenses, and other solutions.
Consumers should exercise the utmost caution when purchasing sunglasses. The black market for counterfeit products is tempting but dangerous to eye health. The construction of these lenses does not comply with international standards; they are produced with numerous defects and distort vision just like an incorrect prescription. They lack UV-filtering properties, and therefore, their use carries the risk of premature development of certain eye diseases. It is recommended that sunglasses be purchased from accredited retailers. The vast majority of optical stores are qualified to ensure the necessary care for your eye health. Since the sun in Portugal doesn’t stop shining after summer, make the most of it—enjoy the outdoors, whether at the beach or in the countryside—but always with your faithful companion: certified quality sunglasses. Purchase them at an accredited optical store. Above all, use this time to find your path to happiness.
