May 27, 2024

Remember to Wear Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection When You're Out for a Run

UV rays affect us regardless of the season. While skincare for UV protection is well recognized, it's not widely known that UV rays can cause fatigue throughout the body when they affect the eyes. Taking the proper measures can help reduce this fatigue.

What are the effects of exposing your eyes to UV rays? The eyes are exposed organs, like skin, without protection from the outside world. Specialist ophthalmologists say that the eyes are part of the brain. They are located close to the brain, which sends various commands to the human body, and "protecting the eyes means protecting the brain."

Exposure to UV rays can cause serious harm to your body, leading to injury and inflammation. These rays are often absorbed by tissues close to the surface, such as the cornea and the crystalline lens. However, longer UV rays can penetrate deeper and reach the retina, potentially leading to diseases like age-related macular degeneration, which can result in blindness. It's crucial to be aware of these potential risks.

Exposure to ultraviolet rays can transmit stress to the brain, which is the center of the autonomic nervous system. When you experience stress, the sympathetic nervous system becomes dominant and causes inflammation in the brain. Additionally, when the brain is stressed, it triggers the production of active oxygen. It is believed that the excessive production of active oxygen can attack autonomic nerve cells and muscle cells, leading to fatigue throughout the body.

UV rays are known to cause stress and fatigue. To protect their eyes from UV rays, runners should wear sunglasses. A professional running coach underscores the crucial role of UV protection in maintaining running performance, stating, "It's not just about protecting your eyes, it's about maintaining your running performance."

However, it's not enough to just wear any sunglasses. When choosing a product, it must be one with 100% UV protection. This is a key factor in ensuring your eyes are adequately shielded from harmful UV rays. Most importantly, always use UV protection when running outside. Regardless of the season, ultraviolet rays are generated even on rainy days. Don't let your guard down just because the weather is mild.

Exposure to UV rays can make your body feel tired and negatively impact your athletic performance. Since you cannot avoid UV rays while running outside, taking appropriate measures will help you practice effectively and feel exhilarated.