Are Your Sunglasses Actually Protecting Your Eyes?

It’s officially summer, which means it’s time to pull out the sunglasses and enjoy some fun in the sun! Some may think sunglasses are simply a summertime accessory. However, they are very important in maintaining your eye health and preventing eye damage. While many people assume that all sunglasses are protective, there are many sunglasses that do not block the harmful UV rays that can damage your eyes. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to the following eye conditions:

Cataracts
Growths on the eye
Eye cancer
Photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye)

So how do you know if your sunglasses are protecting your eyes from the sun? Here are some ways to know for sure that your eyes are protected from the sun’s harmful rays this summer:

Find sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation
- Examples of brands that do this include:
  - Ray-Ban
  - Oakley
  - Sungait
  - J+S Premium
  - SOJOS
- Talk to your ophthalmologist: If you are unsure of how much UV radiation your sunglasses block, check with your ophthalmologist before wearing them out on a sunny day.
- Price isn’t everything: Just because they are more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean they block more UV radiation. There are many inexpensive options that effectively block harmful UV rays.
- Read the label: Regardless of brand, style, or price, always check the label or description of sunglasses before buying them to ensure they will provide optimal protection for your eyes.
- Oversized sunglasses may provide more protection: Glasses that are oversized or wrap around provide more coverage from the sun and more protection for the eyes.
- Sunglasses are for everyone: No matter your age, ethnicity, or geographical location, UV rays can damage your eyes. Make sure everyone in your family, including young children, are protecting their eyes from the sun.

These are just a few of the many ways you can protect yourself and your family from suffering eye damage from UVA or UVB radiation. Check with your ophthalmologist today and ensure that your sunglasses are protecting your eyes this summer! For more tips on protecting your eyes in the sun, click here.