Sunglasses. Their Real Impact on Health.
At Willow Park farm, we are constantly questioning the validity and true foundation of modern-day habits that seem to disconnect us from nature’s design.
One of the most overlooked is our relationship with sunlight. For many people, sunglasses are a daily accessory worn automatically when stepping outdoors. But what if shielding our eyes from natural light is subtly disrupting your health?
Let’s explore why sunlight is not just safe but essential, and how wearing sunglasses may interfere with your body’s natural balance.
Sunlight: The First Signal of the Day
Our eyes are sensory organs that interpret light, sending critical information to the brain to synchronise biological processes.
When natural light enters the eyes (especially in the morning) it stimulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is the brain’s master circadian clock.
This exposure helps:
Set your sleep-wake cycle by triggering cortisol production in the morning and melatonin release in the evening.
Support hormonal rhythms, including reproductive and thyroid hormones.
Regulate metabolism and appetite via signals to the hypothalamus.
Wearing sunglasses (particularly during the early hours) filters out or dims the important light frequencies your body requires to calibrate.
Over time, this can lead to dysregulated sleep, low energy, mood imbalances, and poor metabolic function.
The Role of Full-Spectrum Light in Eye Health
Contrary to common belief, gentle exposure to sunlight is not harmful to the eyes; it is actually protective.
Morning sunlight contains high levels of red and near-infrared light, which nourish mitochondrial function in the retina and support the production of melanin. Melanin is a natural pigment that protects against oxidative damage and helps the eye adapt to varying light conditions.
Blocking this full-spectrum light with tinted lenses can interfere with:
Dopamine signalling in the retina, which regulates eye growth and may play a role in preventing nearsightedness (myopia).
Photoreceptor health, as certain wavelengths (especially red and blue) are required to maintain proper function and repair.
Melanin adaptation, making eyes more sensitive to sunlight over time, not less.
Ironically, chronic sunglass use may lead to increased light sensitivity; not because the sun is harmful, but because our natural defences are underused.
UV Exposure: Balance Over Avoidance
It’s true that intense UV exposure can damage tissues; however this occurs with prolonged midday sun or reflective surfaces like snow and water.
The key lies in adaptation and exposure timing.
Just as the skin gradually builds tolerance through responsible sun exposure, the eyes can do the same.
Early morning and late afternoon light contain minimal UV yet provide all the benefits of circadian synchronisation.
Over-reliance on sunglasses can:
Diminish natural melanin production in the eyes, reducing UV resilience.
Delay light adaptation, making it harder to transition between indoor and outdoor environments.
Impair depth perception and contrast sensitivity, as the eye’s full range of function is not being used.
Reconnecting with the rhythms of nature begins with the basics. Light, like nourishment, is a form of information.
It tells the body when to wake, sleep, eat, move, and repair.
By allowing morning sunlight into our eyes (without artificial filters) we support the very systems that create energy, regulate hormones, and shape our wellbeing.
We invite you to try spending 10–15 minutes each morning outdoors, eyes open to the light (without looking directly at the sun).
See how your body heals and responds over time.
No devices. No distractions. Just sunlight.
With Gratitude,
Alicia (BHSc Clinical Nutrition)
