Though many people wear sunglasses for the "cool factor", sunglasses serve a very important purpose. They protect eyes from the sun's harmful rays, and the Minnesota Optometric Association (MOA) advises, don't leave them home this summer.

Ultraviolet (UV) glare is especially dangerous during hazy sun conditions because people don't think they need sunglasses. In fact, there is risk of up to 85 percent of UV rays being reflected upward and that leads to sunburn of the eyes or photokeratitis. In addition, UV rays contribute to the development of cataracts and are thought to be a factor in diseases such as macular degeneration as well.

UV radiation is made up of invisible rays from the sun. The three bands of UV light are: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVB rays are the most worrisome. They burn the skin and cause damage to the eyes. UVA rays are absorbed primarily within the eye's lens, and research suggests that they are not as harmful as UVB. UVC rays are not a problem because they are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth's surface.

Read the whole article at Business Wire: The Minnesota Optometric Association Says Save Your Eyes; Wear Sunglasses to Protect from Harmful UVA and UVB Rays