Key Takeaways
- Wearing sunglasses helps protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which reduces your risk of developing eye diseases such as cataracts or dry eyes.
- But not all sunglasses are created equal. When purchasing sunglasses, experts recommend purchasing ones that block 100% of UV rays. Look for glasses with polarized lenses that fit comfortably on your face to reduce glare.
- Experts also recommend wearing a hat, minimizing sun exposure, and getting regular eye exams every few years to protect your eyes and keep your vision healthy.
Finding the right sunglasses isn't just about summer fashion. This is also an important step in protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. There are many options to choose from, but not all sunglasses can protect your eyes. In fact, some sunglasses give a false sense of security and do not provide sufficient UV protection.
That's the case with one woman who shared her story on TikTok, warning others to buy “cheap” sunglasses.
“I’m paying top price because I decided to buy a pair of trendy sunglasses that cost like $5 on Amazon,” the TikToker said.
In the now-deleted video, the user claimed that he had been diagnosed with: province. These are noncancerous growths on the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye, Dr. Michelle Holmes, an optometrist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California, told Verywell.
“The hemispheric capsule is generally harmless and does not interfere with vision, but it tends to be more easily irritated than other eye structures, causing the eye to appear red or cause discomfort,” Dr Holmes said.
The TikToker's story highlights the importance of being picky when choosing sunglasses. Not all of these will provide the protection you need, so it's important to know what to look for. Here's why wearing the right sunglasses is important and what to look for to keep your eyes safe, according to experts.
Health benefits of wearing sunglasses
According to Holmes, wearing appropriate sunglasses is essential to protecting your eyes from UV damage and other environmental irritants, such as wind or dust.
Sunglasses also reduce glare and improve visual comfort. This is especially true if you have tinted or polarized lenses designed for a specific task, Holmes said. It also covers the delicate skin around the eyes, “which can reduce the risk of developing wrinkles, fine lines and even skin cancer,” Holmes added.
Bryce St. Clair, OD, FAAO, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, emphasized that sunglasses protect both the structures of the eye and the surrounding area.
“Wearing sunglasses helps block UV rays and wind, which stimulate the growth of age spots,” says St. Petersburg. Clair said. It also prevents eyelid skin cancer, worsening cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems.
How do sunglasses protect your eyes?
Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, an ophthalmologist and medical critic for All About Vision, told Verywell that legal sunglasses typically contain a film/coating that can block UVA and UVB rays, which are most harmful to the eyes.
According to St. Clair, when you wear sunglasses, the lens tint darkens, making your pupil (the hole in the center of your eye through which light passes) larger. For UV-certified sunglasses, this is not an issue because the larger “window” for the eyes has a barrier that protects them from damage.
However, if you are wearing illegal or counterfeit sunglasses, although the tinted lenses may cause your pupils to dilate, you are actually exposing your eyes to more harmful UV rays than if you were squinting or not wearing sunglasses at all. “Think of going to the beach and applying protective sunscreen versus cooking oil,” says St. Petersburg. Clair said.
Sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection are labeled “UV 400” or “100% UV protection,” Holmes said. If you're not sure how much your glasses will help, you can also test their UV protection using a tool called a photometer. “Some ophthalmologists have these devices in their offices and can tell you exactly what wavelengths your sunglasses block,” Homes added.
You can also check out sunglasses by looking for sticker or label certification, or by searching for the brand you're considering purchasing, says St. Petersburg. Clair added. “The most reputable sunglasses retailers you can find in malls or supermarkets will sell legitimate sunglasses.” But if you're not sure, you can always visit your local eye health provider to check your options, says St. Louis. Paul says: Claire.
Other things you can do to protect your eyes
Boxer Wachler said that in addition to wearing protective sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional shade to your eyes, especially during peak sun hours.
But according to Holmes, the best way to protect your eyes from UV damage is to minimize sun exposure.
St. Clair adds that regular eye exams at least once every two years, or as recommended based on your age and risk factors, are a good way to monitor eye health and catch problems early.
What to Look for When Buying Sunglasses
With so many options to choose from when it comes to sunglasses, experts say it's important to consider several factors to get the best protection and comfort for your money.
Here's what to look for when buying sunglasses:
- UV protection: The most important thing, according to Holmes, is to make sure your sunglasses provide 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent eye damage from UV rays. Most certified glasses will have a “UV 400” or “100% UV protection” label or sticker, but you can also research online to see if the manufacturer offers verified UV protection.
- Polarized Lenses: Another important factor to consider is whether your sunglasses have polarized lenses. The lenses have a special chemical coating that filters light and reduces glare from reflective surfaces, Holmes added. Although they are generally more expensive than tinted sunglasses and are not strictly necessary, the polarizing filters in these types of glasses block horizontal light waves, eliminating glare from surrounding horizontal surfaces, such as the hood of an oncoming car or the water's surface. “This can reduce eye strain and improve visibility and comfort during activities such as driving, skiing and boating,” said Holmes.
- Overall fit and frame: Sunglasses should fit comfortably and securely on your face. According to Holmes, if frames are too large or poorly fitting, they won't adequately protect your eyes from rays, adding, “You'll be less likely to continue wearing frames that are uncomfortable to wear.” It is also important that the lenses actually cover your eyes. Some of the latest “fashion” frames are too small to block sunlight from entering the eyes, Holmes said.
- Material and Durability: Another factor to consider when choosing sunglasses is the frame and lens material. Although less important than the lenses, choosing a frame and lens material that is sturdy and durable, such as Trivex, polycarbonate, glass, titanium or stainless steel, can withstand everyday wear and tear, says St. Clair says. For some brands of glasses, glass or plastic lenses are standard. The risk of lens breakage is low, but still possible. St. “Be careful when purchasing these lenses, because if they break, the broken pieces can cause irreparable vision damage,” Clair said. For most patients who are monocular or have a “lazy eye,” St. Clair recommends polycarbonate lenses because they are shatter resistant.
If you're looking to buy protective sunglasses, know that you don't necessarily have to spend hundreds of dollars. “You can find affordable products that work well and protect your eyes. But beware of freebies! They may not be able to provide the full range of protection,” says St. Petersburg. Clair added.
What this means to you
When purchasing sunglasses, prioritize sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Also consider factors such as overall fit, frame material, durability, and polarity. If you are unsure about the level of protection your sunglasses provide, take them to your local eye specialist for guidance.