Shades are an important fashion accessory that can add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit and protect us from the sun's harmful UV rays. But in addition to being fashionable and protective, shades also offer several positive benefits for our wellbeing.

For starters, shades act as a filter by blocking excessive light. That’s beneficial because it can reduce the amount of squinting we do, which can minimize the appearance of crow’s feet over time. This can make us look younger and feel better about our appearance. Secondly, shades protect the eyes from UV light. Prolonged exposure to UV light can damage the eyes and increase our risk of contracting cataracts and other eye infections. Finally, wearing shades can help reduce eyestrain induced headaches. That’s because the lenses act as a barrier between our eyes and bright lights that can cause us to squint and strain our eyes. Wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses can provide even greater protection from light.

Women and men alike can take advantage of the positive benefits that shades have to offer. While investing in a couple good pairs of shades isn’t necessarily a replacement for getting your eyes checked annually, it’s certainly a good form