Giving the Paleo Treatment to Sunglasses blue light natural health eyes sight vision sun glasses-min

Seeing Things in a Whole New Light – Giving the Paleo Treatment to Sunglasses

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During the three years I've lived in Australia, I've spent a lot of time wearing Sunglasses (or, as they're more commonly known in Australia, Sunnies).  Even in the winter here, it's often very bright and sunny (even if the air is cool).  In the summer, it gets really bright and sunny.  Sunglasses – well, that's what they're for isn't it, wearing in the sunshine?

Sunglasses paleo treatment

The more I've found out about Paleo, the more I question other aspects of my life, sunglasses being one such example.

Whilst early examples of sunglasses have been seen as far back at the 12th century, they didn't become common until the early 1900's.  That's not even five generations ago.  Whilst correlation is certainly not causation, it is interesting to note that 25-35% of people of a European descent have Myopia (short sightedness) today, whereas a study of hunter gather tribes revealed Myopia in just 0.4% of the population (1) As well as diet, could widespread use of sunglasses be responsible for the widespread decline in eyesight?

Some estimates suggest Indigenous Australians have been here for up to 70,000 years, surviving for 69,900 without needing sunglasses?  Why are they now they essential for optical health?

Sunlight entering the eyes takes two courses – one for vision, the other goes to the hypothalamus gland.  This pathway seems to have a crucial role in the body clock, energy and hormone production (including melatonin).  It would make sense for the body to use this pathway to regulate circadian rhythms.  Circadian rhythms ensure sleep and wake cycles occur properly, and that the body is in tune with seasonality.  Therefore doesn't it stands to reason that wearing sunglasses, and reducing the sunlight entering your eyes, will impact these functions?

This would tie in with anecdotal observations I've heard that when not wearing sunglasses, people get less sunburnt, then when they do wear sunglasses.  Perhaps wearing sunglasses also leads to people staying out in the sun for longer than they would without sunglasses?

In the spirit of n=1 self experimentation, I'm going to wean off the sunglasses this summer and see what (if any) impact it has on me.  Will my new found improvements in my sleeping patterns improve further still?  Will my eyesight improve?

I'll report back in a future post any differences I've noticed.

Do you wear sunglasses?  Do you think it is foolish not to wear sunglasses throughout the Australian Summer?  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, below!

Giving the Paleo Treatment to Sunglasses – blue light, natural health, vision

Is Sunlight Really the Enemy? Rethinking Sunglasses in a Paleo Lifestyle

In the Paleo community, one of the most powerful shifts is learning to view modern habits through an ancestral lens. We question food, movement, light exposure, and even the ways we sleep and connect. So it makes perfect sense to challenge another modern “norm” — wearing sunglasses.

Mainstream advice insists sunglasses are essential in strong sunlight, particularly in places like Australia where UV levels are high year-round. We’re told sunglasses prevent eye damage, protect from UV rays, and reduce the risk of cataracts. But are we missing a broader conversation here? Might sunglasses — like sunscreen, artificial lighting, and processed food — be yet another modern “solution” with unintended consequences?

The Circadian Link: Light, Eyes & Health

Emerging research suggests that full-spectrum sunlight, including early morning sun exposure, plays a critical role in regulating our circadian rhythm — the internal body clock that affects everything from our sleep cycles and hormone production to metabolism and energy levels.

Light signals received by our eyes (specifically the non-visual retinal pathway to the hypothalamus) help regulate melatonin production. Morning light exposure suppresses melatonin (helping us wake up), while dimmer light in the evening allows melatonin to rise (helping us fall asleep).

Blocking that natural light with sunglasses may disrupt this process — particularly when used constantly, even when UV levels are low. Could that daily habit of reaching for your sunnies the moment you leave the house be silently affecting your energy, sleep, and hormone balance?

What If the Sun Isn’t the Enemy?

We’re told to fear the sun, but sunlight is also our most natural source of vitamin D, a hormone with a critical role in immune function, inflammation regulation, and mood. It's estimated that 30–50% of Australians are deficient in vitamin D — despite our sunny climate.

While sunglasses don’t block vitamin D production (which occurs through skin exposure), their use may influence how long we stay in the sun. If your eyes are shaded, your brain may receive fewer warning signals about brightness and potential overexposure — meaning you stay out longer than your skin would naturally tolerate.

Additionally, there’s speculation that sunlight hitting the eyes may influence skin tolerance and tanning response. This ties into anecdotal reports of people burning more easily when they wear sunglasses.

So Should We Ditch the Sunnies?

The answer might lie in balance. This isn’t about being anti-sunglasses — but about being intentional in how and when you use them. Instead of reaching for them reflexively, try this:

  • Get early morning sunlight directly into your eyes (without looking directly at the sun) for 5–10 minutes — a powerful circadian cue.

  • Reserve sunglasses for high-glare situations like driving, long beach days, or on the water where reflected UV is intense.

  • Build sun tolerance gradually by spending short periods outside without sunglasses during safe UV times.

  • Choose sunglasses wisely — overly dark lenses can signal your brain that it’s dim out, potentially throwing off your internal light clock even more than necessary.

Your Eyes Were Designed for Sunlight

Our ancestors didn’t have sunglasses — yet they thrived under the sun. It’s worth asking if modern eye issues are the result of sun exposure itself — or the combination of too little natural light, too much artificial light, and other dietary and lifestyle factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, and seed oil consumption.

In an evolutionary context, we might argue that moderate, intelligent sun exposure without sunglasses could actually support long-term eye health, not harm it.

Try It for Yourself: Your Own Sunglasses Experiment

Just like switching to a Paleo diet, going sunglass-free takes time. You may feel more sensitive to light initially — just as your body had to adapt to burning fat for fuel. Gradually increase your light exposure and pay attention to changes in:

  • Sleep quality

  • Morning energy

  • Tolerance to sunlight

  • Eye strain and vision clarity

As always, listen to your body — and use common sense. If you’re driving into the afternoon sun, wear your sunnies. If you’re out at sunrise for a walk? Maybe leave them behind.

Have you tried reducing your reliance on sunglasses? Did it impact your sleep, energy, or skin response to the sun? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below — I'd love to hear your take.

Let’s rethink the way we view sunlight — and what our eyes might really need.

New paleo events in australia sydney melbourne brisbane new zealand-min

New Events In Australia

Check out the newly listed events down under….

Upcoming Paleo events across Australia and New Zealand including expos and workshops in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and more

Lectures on Sleep, Sugar, Vitamin D, Allergy Workshops, Health & Fitness Expo & the Australia Beef Expo in NSW, VIC, ACT & QLD

Have you heard of any Paleo related events in your area? WA, TAS, NT, SA and New Zealand seem to be a bit under represented? Let me know below and I'll add them to the list!

Why Attending Paleo Events Matters More Than Ever

With the explosion of interest in ancestral health, real food nutrition, and sustainable living, Paleo-focused events are starting to pop up all over Australia and New Zealand. And while online communities, podcasts, and blogs are an incredible way to learn and stay inspired, there’s something uniquely powerful about stepping into a room filled with people who share your passion for wellness.

Whether it's a hands-on workshop about fermenting vegetables, a lecture series on the role of sleep in hormone regulation, or an expo featuring grass-fed beef producers — these in-person events offer something the internet simply can't replicate: connection, community, and practical, real-time learning.

What Types of Paleo Events Are Popping Up?

If you’re just getting started with Paleo or are looking to level up your lifestyle, here are the types of events you’ll want to keep an eye on:

🥩 Local Food Festivals & Farmers Markets

These are often where you’ll find ethical meat producers, regenerative farmers, and artisanal food makers who align with the values of the Paleo lifestyle. It’s a brilliant opportunity to speak directly with the people who raise your meat or grow your veg – and you’ll often find specialty products like bone broth, tallow, and organ meats not typically available in supermarkets.

🎓 Health & Nutrition Seminars

Talks on the microbiome, circadian biology, hormone balance, or functional approaches to health can give you a fresh perspective and help you navigate your own wellness journey. Speakers often include integrative GPs, naturopaths, or independent researchers.

💪 Movement & Fitness Workshops

Whether it’s barefoot running clinics, primal movement workshops, or functional fitness sessions – many Paleo-aligned events incorporate movement into the mix. These workshops often focus on mobility, natural range of motion, or bodyweight strength (instead of endless reps on gym machines).

🛌 Sleep, Stress & Recovery Seminars

The importance of sleep in ancestral health can't be overstated. You’ll often find events diving into practical tips for optimising circadian rhythm, melatonin production, and nervous system regulation – all essential for fat loss, focus, and longevity.

🧂 Cooking Demos & Meal Planning

Cooking real food from scratch is central to Paleo – but for many of us, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where cooking demonstrations, fermenting masterclasses, or batch-cooking meal prep events can provide loads of inspiration.

🐄 Agricultural & Livestock Expos

Surprisingly, these can be a goldmine of Paleo-friendly insight. You’ll meet regenerative farmers, discover local grass-fed and pastured meat suppliers, and learn more about ethical and sustainable food systems. Look out for events like the Australia Beef Expo, or smaller field days held regionally.

Upcoming Paleo-Relevant Events to Watch For

Here are some of the event categories and locations to keep your eye on:

NSW: Sydney, Newcastle, Byron Bay

  • Health expos often run at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney.
  • Byron Bay is a hotspot for wellness retreats with ancestral health themes.
  • Local Meetup groups in Newcastle and Sydney often organise Paleo potlucks or hiking groups.

VIC: Melbourne, Geelong, Mornington Peninsula

  • Melbourne’s thriving wellness scene means you’ll regularly find low-tox living expos, natural food markets, and primal fitness workshops.
  • The Mornington Peninsula often hosts holistic retreats, particularly around gut health and nervous system regulation.

QLD: Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast

  • Brisbane is home to several functional medicine practitioners who run regular seminars on food as medicine and hormone health.
  • The Sunshine Coast boasts multiple organic farming tours and surf-inspired primal retreats.
  • Look for expos at the Brisbane Convention Centre or Noosa Wellness Festival.

ACT: Canberra

  • As the home of government and policy, Canberra hosts some fantastic science-based nutrition talks and professional development days – occasionally open to the public.
  • Paleo-friendly health food stores often post in-person tasting sessions and talks.

How to Find Events Near You

If you’re not already in the loop, here are some tips for finding out what’s happening:

  • Set Google Alerts for keywords like “Paleo event Sydney” or “ancestral health Australia”.
  • Join local Facebook groups: Try searching for “Paleo Melbourne”, “Real Food Brisbane”, or “Primal Australia”.
  • Follow local producers on Instagram: Grass-fed meat suppliers, kombucha makers, and organic farms often post upcoming appearances or market days.
  • Check community boards at your local health food store, CrossFit gym, or farmers market.
  • Eventbrite and Meetup are both great platforms to search for niche, local wellness events.

Why These Events Are Crucial for the Paleo Movement

One of the criticisms Paleo often receives is that it’s an elite or restrictive diet. But in person, at these events, you see the diversity of people it benefits. From busy mums and overworked tradies to former vegans and naturopaths – the Paleo community is full of people who’ve taken health into their own hands.

Paleo events allow you to:

  • Connect with like-minded people who get it when you say you avoid seed oils or ferment your own kraut
  • Try new foods in a low-pressure, supportive environment
  • Hear experts clarify common misconceptions about saturated fat, insulin, cholesterol, or ancestral diets
  • Get hands-on experience preparing nourishing meals or trying new movement modalities
  • Ask questions in real time that you can’t always get answered in a blog comment thread

Let’s Build the List: Know an Event? Share It!

Right now, some regions are under-represented – particularly WA, SA, NT, TAS and New Zealand. If you know of a local event that would interest the Paleo crowd, I’d love to add it to the list. Whether it’s a seasonal market with great grass-fed meat, a surf retreat serving whole food meals, or a seminar by a nutritionist debunking modern food myths – if it supports ancestral health, it belongs here.

Email me, tag me on Instagram, or drop the details in the comments below. Let’s keep this list growing so we can all discover new opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive.

Final Thought

Living a Paleo lifestyle isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about who’s at your table. Surrounding yourself with others who value real food, movement, quality sleep, and stress reduction is one of the most powerful things you can do to stay on track.

So don’t wait for an event to find you – go looking for it. And when you find a great one, tell us all about it.

Let’s keep the Paleo community strong, curious, and connected – one event at a time.