It’s summer time, and that means time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. But remember: Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that needs protection from the sun’s UV rays. A good pair of sunglasses is essential for protecting your eyes. If you’re not careful, you run the risk of suffering both short-term and long-term consequences.
Short-term, you can expect eye strain and headaches from the constant need to squint in the sun, as well as a kind of “sunburn on the eyes,” known as photokeratitis. As with a sunburn on your skin, photokeratitis will usually go away within a few days, but you can expect some eye pain and possible vision problems until then.
Long-term, overexposure to UV radiation can increase your risk of macular degeneration, early cataracts and cancers in and around your eyes.
Not just any pair of sunglasses will help reduce these risks. So, how do you choose the right pair? Take a look below to find out.
Make Sure Your Sunglasses Have The Essentials
When looking for the right type of sunglasses to protect your eyes, there are a number of essentials to look for. The ideal pair of sunglasses should:
- Offer 100% UV protection
- Block both UVA and UVB rays
- Be rated 400NM or UV400, which means they block all UV light with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.
Polarized lenses are also a plus, as they help reduce glare reflecting from surfaces like roads, windshields and water.
Find Sunglasses That Are The Right Fit For You
The right frames fit your face snugly but comfortably. While they shouldn’t feel tight around your face, they shouldn’t slip off either. Think Goldilocks – Not too tight. Not too loose. Just right!
When deciding on the shape and size of your sunglasses, the general rule is “bigger is better,” when it comes to eye protection. The more of your face your sunglasses cover, the less UV light reaches your eyes from the sides of your sunglasses. Wraparound frames offer the most protection.
Of course, “the right fit” doesn’t just apply to how well your glasses fit you physically. They also need to fit your sense of style. This will encourage you to wear them when you’re out and about.
Still need help finding just the right pair of sunglasses for you? Our friendly and professional optical staff at is here to help!
Q&A
Will sunglasses block blue light?
Yes. High-quality sunglasses can be quite effective at blocking blue light while outdoors. Certain lens tints are especially effective, with amber or brown tints filtering the most. Sunglasses aren’t the best option for blue light filtering indoors, however, as they’re often too dark to comfortably navigate an indoor space.
Can sunglasses help with dry eyes?
Yes. Sunglasses are an important part of preventing dry eye symptoms outdoors. This is especially true in dry, arid places and in windy environments. Sunglasses help keep wind from blowing directly into your eyes, and may also block dust particles and various allergens from reaching your eyes.
