Once intended only for protecting your eyes from the sun, sunglasses have become a fashion statement. If you're not overly into fashion and looks, you may be tempted to just leave your sunglasses at home. But this is not a safe choice for you or your eyes! Beyond good looks, here are three other very good reasons to wear your sunglasses.

They protect against ocular melanoma.

You've most certainly heard of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer that's often brought on by excessive sun exposure. But did you know that melanoma can also form in your eye? The light-sensitive tissues at the back of your eye are very similar in structure to skin, and they contain melanocytes -- cells that form melanin and are prone to melanoma. When you spend time in bright sunlight and expose these tissues to UV rays, you increase your risk of ocular melanoma. Since the treatment often require surgery, and in the most serious cases, removal of your eye, it's very wise to protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses whenever you're out in the sun.

You'll reduce your risk of macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is a common eye ailment that appears in old age. It results from damage to the macula, which is a spot in the center of your retina that's responsible for creating sharp, clear visual images. With macular degeneration, your vision tends to grow blurrier and blurrier -- especially in the center of your visual field.  There's no cure for macular degeneration, and vision tends to grow worse over time. Though there are many risk factors for macular degeneration, UV exposure is one of them. The more often you wear sunglasses and protect yourself from UV rays, the lower your risk of this degenerative eye condition.

They protect the skin around your eyes, too.

The skin around your eyes is more delicate and sensitive than the skin over the rest of your face. As a result, this area is more prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. When you wear sunglasses, you're reducing the amount of sun this delicate skin is exposed to, which can help slow down the aging process. You may not need to use as many under-eye serums and anti-wrinkle creams.

If you do not own a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses, visit a professional like Heimer Eye Care Associates, P.C. They can recommend a pair that fits you well and provides exceptional protection against ocular melanoma, macular degeneration, and premature aging around the eyes.