Why sunglasses are more than a fashion statement
They may look fun and stylish, but sunglasses have a serious job: They may protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Here’s what to look for when you buy a pair.
Most people think of sunglasses as a fashion accessory — but they’re so much more than that. They are an important tool for protecting your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays from the sun can do damage even on cloudy days. If your eyes aren’t protected, UV rays can cause a range of eye problems.1
Here’s how UV rays damage your eyes and what features to look for in a quality pair of protective sunglasses.
How do UV rays damage your eyes?
According to Fatima Ibrahim, O.D., an optometrist from Eyes Now, in Southlake Texas, the front part of the eye absorbs the most UV rays. That can result in external damage to the eye. But internal damage is also possible. “UV rays can cause damage to internal structures such as the eyelids, cornea, conjunctiva, lens, macula and retina,” she says.
The longer you are exposed to UV rays without protection, the greater your risk of developing serious eye problems. “UV damage builds up over time,” Dr. Ibrahim says. Wearing sunglasses every time you are outside, even on cloudy days, is important for keeping your eyes healthy, she notes.
What are some eye diseases caused by UV exposure?
Extended exposure to the sun’s UV rays has been linked to significant eye problems and diseases. These may include:1
- Cataracts are when the lens of your eye gets cloudy. They can cause blurry vision.2
- Macular degeneration is progressive. The cells of your retina become damaged, leading to vision loss.3
- Photokeratitis is a painful, temporary condition that includes symptoms such as red eyes, a gritty feeling in the eyes and extreme sensitivity to light.4
- Pinguecula causes harmless growths on the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that covers part of the front surface of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. The growths can cause redness and irritation.5
- Pterygium is a growth of fleshy tissue that may start as a pinguecula. It can remain small or grow large enough to cover part of the cornea, which is when it can affect your vision.6
Other outdoor conditions that can put your eyes at risk
Reflective surfaces such as snow, sand and water can be harmful to your eyes, says Dr. Ibrahim. That’s because those conditions intensify UV radiation. Time of day and time of year can also impact risk levels. For example, UV radiation is most intense during the middle of the day and during the summer months. High winds can also blow dust and other particles into your eyes.
Checklist for choosing protective sunglasses
When shopping for sunglasses, it’s important to look for certain features that will give the best protection for your eyes. Here are some features to think about:
- Shape/wrap: You want a frame that fits close to your eyes and contours to the shape of your face,7 Dr. Ibrahim says. It’s important to protect the front of your eye, but you also want to stop rays from coming in at the top and the sides. In addition to sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can reduce your eyes’ exposure to UV by up to 50%.1
- UV protection: Look for lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.7 (The amount of UV protection is unrelated to the color and darkness of the lenses.1) You may want lenses that also block blue light, which can cause eyestrain and fatigue.
- Lens materials: Look for polycarbonate lenses, which are lightweight and durable. You’re more likely to wear them if they’re light. It’s also good if they have a scratch-resistant coating to protect against damage.8
- Amount of light blocked: Your sunglasses should screen out 75 to 90% of visible light and, ideally, lessen glare too.7
Talk with your optometrist to find the best sunglasses for you. They’re an essential tool for protecting your eyes from harmful UV radiation.
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