Choosing Sunglasses That Protect & Perform

Sunglasses are not just for style or covering up tired eyes. Most importantly, they shield your eyes from UV damage that accumulates over the years.

You might think the sun only affects your skin, but its ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes, too. Over time, too much sun can raise your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancers. UV exposure can also cause growths on the eye’s surface and lead to sunburned eyes, a painful problem called photokeratitis.

The sun can also harm the thin, delicate skin around your eyes. It is much easier to prevent this damage than to treat it later. UV rays can bounce off snow, sand, water, and pavement, so you are exposed even if you are not looking straight at the sun.

Eye protection is important all year, not just in summer. Snow reflects UV rays strongly, so skiers and snowboarders can get “snow blindness,” a sharp, temporary eye burn that is hard to forget.

What to Look for When Buying Sunglasses

Not all sunglasses offer the same protection. A trendy dark tint might look stylish, but it may not protect your eyes. Here’s what to look for before you buy your next pair.

• 100 Percent UV Protection

UV protection is the only must-have feature. Check for a sticker that says “100% UV” or “UV400.” That means the lenses block all UVA and UVB light. If the packaging lacks any UV information, put them back. No pair is worth buying without it.

• Lens Size Matters

Larger lenses block more light and help keep out wind, dust, and pollen, so your eyes stay comfortable. Wraparound styles offer the most coverage and are a great choice if you spend a lot of time outdoors or if your eyes are dry or sensitive.

• Lens Color Is Mostly Style

Lens color does not affect UV protection, so go with what you like best! Gray, brown, amber, or green, all can block UV equally well when they have the right coating. Love brown or amber? These shades can boost contrast, which many people find great for driving or outdoor adventures.

• Darkness Does Not Equal Protection

Does thinking that a very dark lens means better eye protection? Not always! While dark lenses let in less light, they do not block more UV. In fact, if they lack UV shielding, they can be worse; they cause your pupil to dilate, letting in more unfiltered light. Always double-check the label before you buy!

• Polarization Cuts Glare

These lenses reduce glare from water, snow, and roads, which makes them great for driving or outdoor sports. But remember, polarization is different from UV protection. Some polarized lenses have a UV coating, but always check to be sure. Do not just assume!

• Mirrored Coatings Are Optional

Mirrored lenses cut glare and keep things comfortable in bright sunlight. They will not provide UV protection on their own, though. Love the look? Go for it, but double-check that there’s built-in UV protection, too!

Do Kids Need Sunglasses?

Absolutely! Children love spending time outdoors, and their eyes are still growing. Because kids’ eye lenses are clearer than those of adults, even more UV light gets through to the retina. In fact, experts say that about 80 percent of our lifetime UV exposure happens before we turn eighteen.

Choose sunglasses for kids that say 100 percent UV protection on the label. Pick frames that are impact-resistant and can handle rough play. Even babies as young as six months can wear sunglasses, and you might need a strap to help them stay on.

Want more tips, or ready to find your perfect shades? Visit Greenville EyeCare Associates in Greenville, South Carolina, or call (864) 234-7700 to book your appointment today.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/vision/how-to-choose-sunglasses-that-protect-your-eyes-and-vision/

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/protect-your-peepers-how-to-choose-the-best-sunglasses-for-eye-health