Why Sunglasses Are Vital for Protecting Your Eyes While Paddleboarding

Paddle boarding was once considered a niche sport but it is now gaining mainstream traction given how it marries fitness with fun. That said, just like with any activity, paddle boarding requires specific safety considerations. Since paddle boarding is done outdoors, chief among these safety measures has to do with sun protection. As any experienced paddle boarder will tell you, it's important to avoid too much sun exposure to prevent getting sunburns and other skin problems. Wearing the right gear with UPF protection and applying enough SPF sunscreen can help greatly and ensure you're in top form to continue your hobby/sport. But did you know that sunglasses are also a vital accessory to have while paddle boarding? Here are a few key reasons why you need a reliable pair of sunnies to enjoy the sport properly.

Photo courtesy: Aqua Marina

Protects against photokeratitis

In addition to damaging your skin, sun exposure from paddle boarding can also cause harm to your eyes. The harsh rays in sunlight are the main culprit that affect your eyes as the light can blur vision, increase the risk of cataracts and eye cancer, and cause corneal damage. Furthermore, it can lead to photokeratitis, which is akin to getting sunburn on your cornea and conjunctiva.

Getting photokeratitis is extremely painful and can temporarily alter your vision. As such, it is important to have polarized sunglasses to protect against sunlight and glare, which is harsh light reflected by surfaces. Being on the water makes you vulnerable to glare, so it’s important to have polarized lenses that filter out the light to keep your eyes comfortable. To illustrate, performance eyewear leader Oakley highlights their Holbrook frames, which feature a wide lens design with the brand’s signature Prizm lenses. These polarized lenses can enhance color, combat sunlight, and enhance your experience while out on the water.

Photo courtesy: POP Board Co

Shields your eyes from debris and infection

Paddleboarding requires you to move around the ocean, where you’re vulnerable to debris and infection from the water. Exposure to salty water can also irritate your eyes, make them itchy, or in worse cases, make your corneas swell up. Additionally, some oceans can be infested with bacteria from pollution that can infect your eye when it comes into contact with water.

Wearing sunglasses can help with this, but it’s important to get a pair that can protect your eyes properly. Getting fishing sunglasses for paddle boarding can help since they’re designed to have bigger frames and lenses for optimal protection against the water. Furthermore, leading brands like Fin-Nor have frames, such as their Big Pine, with enhanced abrasion resistance and hydrophobic coatings to ensure that no water or debris will obstruct your vision while paddle boarding.

Photo courtesy: Pau Hana

Prevents surfer’s eye

Engaging in outdoor water sports also makes you vulnerable to surfer’s eye. Also known as pterygium, it is a condition where the eyes get red and irritated due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays found in sunlight. This causes the conjunctiva to grow abnormally from the cornea, leaving a prominent red mark on the side of the eye. When not treated or addressed properly, pterygium can cause permanent scarring on your eyeball and astigmatism.

It’s important to get proper UV protective sunglasses to safeguard against surfer’s eye. Darker tints on sunglasses do not automatically mean better UV protection. You should look for a pair that is indicated with a UV 400 or 100% UV protection mark to ensure they’ve been tested to withstand UV exposure and protect your eyes properly. Eyewear brand LiP has a line of surfing sunglasses and frames like the Flo that have UV protection to wear while paddle boarding. These frames are also made from buoyant materials to ensure that they float on the water in case they fall and are not lost to the waves, making them an ideal pair to have with you.

In conclusion, while UPF gear and sunscreen play pivotal roles in shielding the skin, often overlooked is the critical role of sunglasses. Beyond merely adding a stylish touch, sunglasses become an essential accessory in the arsenal of a paddle boarder. Not only do they safeguard against photokeratitis, a painful consequence of prolonged exposure to sunlight, but they also act as a shield against debris and potential infections from ocean water. Next time you head out for a paddle, don't forget to bring your pair of sunnies.