Resolve to wear sunglasses in the New Year

December 30, 2009

With the new year just around the corner, many Americans are working to pin down their New Year's resolutions. For many Americans, healthy habits tend to make it to the top of the list, whether they plan on exercising more or eating a more balanced diet.

If you'd like to make a resolution that is sure to benefit your health and is also likely to stick, consider resolving to wear sunglasses whenever you head outside during the day. Isn't that a lot easier than going to the gym?

The American Optometric Association suggests purchasing a pair of sunglasses with at least 99 percent UV protection and wearing them even on cloudy days. The lenses will shield your retina from the sun's damaging rays and reduce your risk of developing eye health conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

If you already wear eyeglasses, it might be easiest to order one or two pairs of prescription sunglasses so that it's easy to sport your specs.

Keep in mind that not many New Year's resolutions will improve your eye health and make you look cooler – you might want to take advantage of this one!