What effect does wearing sunglasses have on eye health?

“Sunglasses are quite important and can make an impact on your eye health,” says Dr. Langguth. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your eye as well as the skin around your eye, including your eyelids. This skin is very thin, making it more susceptible to damage. Dr. Langguth recommends wearing larger sunglasses to protect as much of the eye and skin around the eye as possible.

Exposure to UV radiation from the sun can lead to:

• Cataracts: UV exposure can contribute to the development of cataracts, a clouding on the lens of your eye.
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration: This condition causes the decay of the macula, the central part of the retina, and can lead to blurred vision, rapid loss of central vision or even blindness.
• Photokeratitis: Often referred to as “snow blindness,” this painful condition is caused by excessive UV exposure, especially in reflective environments with snow or water.

Sunglasses can also reduce squinting, which can contribute to headaches, as well as protection against wind and dust particles.

Can sun exposure lead to cancer within the eye?

There’s no data that shows that cancer within the eye is caused by prolonged sun exposure. However, it is known that cancers around the eyelid, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are linked to UV radiation from the sun.

What features should you look for when buying sunglasses?

Aside from fashion features, there are a few key functional features to keep in mind when shopping for shades:

• UVA and UVB light protection: Look for sunglasses that are clearly marked as providing 100% protection from UVA and UVB. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate deep into the skin and eyes while ultraviolet B (UVB) rays have shorter wavelengths that affect the outer layers of the skin and eyes.
• Frame fit: Your sunglasses should fit comfortably and securely on your face to provide maximum protection.
• Polarized lenses: While polarized lenses don’t prevent eye diseases any more than non-polarized lenses, they are more effective at reducing glare from reflective surfaces and enhancing vision in bright areas. This can help while driving and reduce squinting.

“Your sunglasses don’t have to be expensive,” notes Dr. Langguth. “What you're paying for is the frame, but not necessarily the lens. You should be wearing sunglasses not just to look cool or fashionable. Wear them because they truly are good for your health.”

How frequently should I wear sunglasses?

It’s recommended to wear protection from UV rays for any period of prolonged exposure to sunlight, which Langguth defines as roughly 20 minutes. This also includes driving during daylight as car windows don’t completely block UV rays.

Dr. Langguth says that wearing a hat can also provide important protection to the delicate skin around the eye and help protect the eye itself. This is also important for children who may be too small to wear sunglasses or unable to keep them on for long periods of time.

Should you wear sunglasses year-round?

“It doesn't have to be hot out to have UV exposure,” says Dr. Langguth. There’s significant UV ray exposure year-round, even on cloudy and cold days. Sunglasses are for all seasons.

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