Sunglasses buying guide: How to pick best UV protection

Sunglasses must protect against ultraviolet radiation

Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation, including UVA and UVB rays. Besides making you squint, exposure to this light can cause serious damage to the eyes.

Ophthalmologist Kris Ervin explained that ultraviolet light from the sun can, over time, damage the structures at the back of the eye. Good sunglasses act like sunscreen for the eyes by blocking harmful rays.

UV-protective sunglasses block or reflect these rays before they reach the sensitive parts of the eyes. Without proper UVA and UVB protection, prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of eye diseases such as:

• cataract – can cause clouding of vision
• macular degeneration – leads to loss of central vision
• retinal damage – damage to the light-sensitive part of the eye
• eye strain, dryness, sensitivity, or itching

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation also affects the delicate skin around the eyes, increasing the risk of wrinkles and skin damage.

How to choose sunglasses

Look for labels such as UV400 or 100% UV protection.

Other key features to consider include:

• large or wraparound frames – sunglasses that cover more of the face help block sunlight entering from the sides
• polarized lenses – polarization does not add UV protection, but it reduces glare from reflective surfaces such as water and roads. This can be especially important after vision correction surgery
• lens color – gray lenses generally block more light than brown ones, while yellow lenses enhance contrast

Children from 6 months of age should also wear sunglasses. UV damage accumulates over a lifetime, so it is important to teach children to use eye protection early.