Harmful effects of exposure to UV sunlight:

Sunglasses are associated with the Terminator, former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon and rebels.

However, most people aren't aware that the rebels and the cool kids are also maximizing their eye health.

“Protective eyewear can prevent chronic exposure to [ultraviolet] light,” says Dr. Vince Brandys, director of professional relations for the Illinois Eye Institute in Chicago. “Exposure to UV light can lead to cataracts down the line. It can potentially lead to drying your eyes out and dry-eye syndrome.”

UV light is not visible to the naked eye. Because people associate it with sunlight and summer, they unwittingly expose themselves to the rays on cloudy days and even in winter.  “It’s not just bright, direct sunlight,” Brandys said. “They [UV rays] come through our atmosphere in cloudy conditions.”

 Hats and visors, while useful, also don’t fully cover and protect the eye, Brandys said. “Visors and hats are both good,” Brandys said. “A cap is useful, but not for the entire parts of your face. Sunglasses are.”

According to a statement released by the Environmental Protection Agency last year, in addition to the long-term effects associated with exposure to UV rays, short-term effects are very possible as well.

“Exposure to UV radiation from daily activities including reflections off of snow, pavement, and other surfaces, can burn the front surface of the eye, similar to a sunburn on the skin,” the statement said.

Veteran long distance runner Mark Peterson, 28, of Washington, D.C., takes no chances when he trains and runs outdoors. “I always wear sunglasses whenever I run, even when the sun is going down,” said Peterson, who has run eight marathons so far this year. “I just put them on my head if the sun goes down or if I don’t need them. It’s just part of my running attire.”

“I think it makes it easier on your body,” Peterson said. “Long distance running can put a lot of stress on your body, and wearing sunglasses alleviates one of those stresses.”

Many believe that sunglasses are too expensive and, even worse, not worth buying because they often are lost or broken.

Peterson said, “I bought Oakleys when I first started running. I would lose them often. While he said he still owns a pair of nice running sunglasses, he has been able to find affordable options.

The EPA recommends that people look at labels carefully when purchasing sunglasses. Sunglasses should block out 99 percent to 100 percent of both types of UV rays, the EPA said, continuing: “Look for manufacturer labels that indicate UV protective lenses.”