Those sunglasses you just bought may look ultra-cool, but save them for selfies if they're not filtering out the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Not all sunglasses are created equal, and older pairs may not be as effective as you think.
Most sunglasses today have UV protection embedded in the lens rather than coated over it, and most reputable brands list UV protection on their label. If you're uncertain about your sunglasses-or those fun pairs you bought online for the kids-simply take them to an optical shop, where they can be tested in a photometer.
Dark sunglasses don’t offer more protection. In fact, dark sunglasses that don't block harmful rays may reduce your need to squint in bright light, but that's about it. When you put on a very dark pair of sunglasses, your pupils open up and allow much more light into your eyes than if you didn't wear those sunglasses at all.
Polarization has nothing to do with UV light absorption, but many polarized lenses are now combined with a UV-blocking substance. Check the label to make sure the lenses provide maximum UV protection.
Consider wrap-around sunglasses if you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially around water. These sunglasses protect from UV rays that come in from the side. This design will also stop the wind that makes your eyes dry. They don't have to be expensive. They just have to fit well-and of course, you have to keep them on as long as you are in the sun.
"The most important advice is to put on your sunglasses whenever you are outside," says Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA, an ophthalmologist at John A. Moran Eye Center at University of Utah Health. "And put them on your kids, please. Sunglasses are to the eyes what sunscreen is to the skin."
How the Sun Damages Your Eyes-and How to Prevent It
You know the sun can damage your skin, but what about your eyes? Ophthalmologist Jeff Pettey, MD, breaks down the risks of sun exposure to your vision, from painful short-term conditions to long-term consequences.
Sun safety is always in season. It’s important to protect your skin from sun damage throughout the year, no matter the weather. The National Cancer Institute estimates there were 100,640 new cases of skin melanomas and 8,290 related deaths in 2024. The Food and Drug Administration continues to evaluate sunscreen products to ensure that they are safe and effective.
Although all sunscreens help protect people from sunburn, only broad-spectrum sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 help protect us from skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.
Lower Your Risk for Sunburn, Skin Cancer, and Early Skin Aging
Sun damage to the body is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunburn is a type of skin damage caused by the sun. Tanning is also a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some, but often not enough, protection against sunburn.
Spending time in the sun unprotected increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. People of all skin colors are at risk for this damage. Sun-protective clothing is now available.
Using broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher regularly and as directed is recommended. Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays, two types of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
Consult a health care professional before applying sunscreen to infants younger than 6 months.
In general, the FDA recommends using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. In addition:
- Apply sunscreen liberally to all uncovered skin, especially your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and lips.
- Reapply at least every two hours. Apply more often if you’re swimming or sweating. An average-size adult or child needs at least one ounce of sunscreen, about the amount it takes to fill a shot glass, to evenly cover the body.
- If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head or wear a hat.
No sunscreen completely blocks UV radiation. So other protections are needed, such as protective clothing, sunglasses, and staying in the shade.
No sunscreen is waterproof. Check the instructions on your sunscreen for information about its water resistance and reapplication instructions if you are sweating or going in the water.
Only sunscreens in lotion, cream, stick, gel, oil, butter, paste, spray, and powder dosage forms can be legally marketed. Sunscreen in all other dosage forms - including wipes, towelettes, body washes, and shampoos - cannot be legally marketed.
Read Sunscreen Labels
It is important to read the label carefully to ensure you get the most potential benefit from sunscreen use.
Only products that pass the FDA’s broad-spectrum requirements, and therefore protect against UVA exposure, can be labeled “broad spectrum.”
Sunscreens that are not broad spectrum or are broad spectrum but lack an SPF of at least 15 must carry a warning: “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.”
Water resistance claims, for 40 or 80 minutes, tell you how much time you can expect to get the labeled SPF-level of protection while swimming or sweating.
Manufacturers may not make claims that their sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweat proof.”
Products may not be identified as “sunblocks” or claim instant protection or protection for more than two hours without reapplying.
Risk Factors for Harmful Effects of UV Radiation
People of all skin colors are potentially at risk for sunburn and other harmful effects of UV radiation, so always protect yourself. Be especially careful if you have:
- Pale skin.
- Blond, red, or light brown hair.
- Been treated for skin cancer.
- A family member who has had skin cancer.
If you take medications, ask your health care professional about sun-care precautions. Some medications may increase sun sensitivity. Even on an overcast day, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible.
Protect Your Eyes With Sunglasses
Sunlight reflecting off sand, water, or even snow further increases exposure to UV radiation and raises your risk of developing eye problems. Certain sunglasses can help protect your eyes.
When Choosing Sunglasses:
- Choose sunglasses with a UV400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label. These sunglasses block more than 99% of UVA and UVB radiation and provide the most protection against UV rays.
- Do not mistake dark-tinted sunglasses as having UV protection. The darkness of the lens does not indicate its ability to shield your eyes from UV rays. Many sunglasses with light-colored tints - such as green, amber, red, and gray - can offer the same UV protection as very dark lenses.
- Check to see if your tinted glasses have UV protection. If you are unsure, your eye care professional may be able to check for you. When you wear tinted glasses, your pupils dilate and can increase exposure of your retinas to UV light. Without UV protection, you are putting yourself at risk to harmful effects associated with solar radiation.
- Be aware that children should wear sunglasses that indicate the UV protection level. Toy sunglasses may not have UV protection.
- Consider large, wraparound-style frames, which may provide more UV protection because they cover the entire eye socket.
- Pricier sunglasses don’t ensure greater UV protection.
- Even if you wear UV absorbing contact lenses, wear quality sunglasses that offer UV protection.
- Even when you wear sunglasses, wearing a wide-brim hat and sunscreen can help further protect you from sun exposure.
Beware: Spray Sunscreens Can Be Flammable
Many spray sunscreen products contain flammable ingredients, like alcohol. Be careful when using these flammable products. Read and follow the warning label, and don’t use these sprays near an open flame, especially around children.
In addition, some spray sunscreens have been recalled because of benzene contamination and shouldn’t be used.
Sunglasses Are More Than Just a Fashion Statement
Sunglasses are often chosen for their appearance or comfort, but their most important function is protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV protection isn’t just a feature-it’s a critical safeguard for your long-term vision health.
Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. It’s invisible to the human eye, unlike visible light, and it doesn’t trigger the pain receptors in our eyes the way intense sunlight does. Despite its invisibility, UV radiation can cause serious damage to the skin and eyes.
UV radiation accounts for up to 95% of UV radiation that reaches the Earth.
A UV protection lens coating is a special treatment applied to sunglass lenses to block or absorb ultraviolet light. This coating is invisible, so it doesn’t affect the look or color of the lenses, but it dramatically increases their protective capabilities.
Not all lenses come with UV protection by default. While certain materials like polycarbonate and high-index plastic lenses naturally offer full UV protection, others-such as standard plastic lenses-may require this additional coating.
Many people choose sunglass lenses based on tint or color to reduce brightness and glare. While this can improve comfort, it does not necessarily mean the lenses protect against UV rays. In fact, dark lenses without UV protection can be worse than no sunglasses at all.
Long-term UV exposure can saturate natural molecules in the eye, known as chromophores, that typically absorb UV light as a defense mechanism. Once saturated, chromophores lose their ability to protect the eye, leading to damage to the cornea, lens, and retina over time.
When shopping for sunglasses, always look for a label or description that says the lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays or offer “UV400” protection.
At RX Safety, UV protection is a top priority. You can order sunglasses with built-in UV-blocking lenses or customize your prescription eyewear with a UV protection coating.
- RX Safety offers a wide range of sunglasses that are prescription available.
- Inside our prescription form, you can select your prescription type. Choose between single vision, bifocal, trifocal, and progressive. THEN it is the time to upload or fill your prescription information.
- Customize your lenses by choosing your lens color.
- The glasses can be upgraded with special coatings. This is where you can select the UV protection coating.
- You’re done! The rest is with us.
The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses While Spending Time Outdoors
The sun emits ultraviolet rays, a type of radiation energy. Exposure to UV rays without proper UV protection can cause cancer, loss of vision, and premature aging. As we age, our eyes accumulate damage from the sun. The CDC recommends UV protection year-round, as the rays exist regardless of weather conditions. Research shows that the sun's high-energy UV rays can increase your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and even some forms of ocular cancer.
There are two types of UV rays you should protect yourself from: UVA and UVB. The most harmful UV ray is UVB because of its high radiation levels.
Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Eye Protection
Choosing the right sunglasses can be overwhelming. In addition to finding a pair that looks great, your sunglasses should also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Are you wearing the right Sunglasses? We all know that we shouldn’t be staring at the sun… but beyond that, there’s a lot of confusion about how to properly protect your eyes from UV damage. The sun emits 3 types of ultraviolet rays, which are categorized by their wavelength: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
Short-term exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause temporary sunburn of the eyes and skin. The best thing you can do to protect your eyes and skin from harmful rays is to limit your exposure and protect yourself when you are outside.
Most sunglasses have the same basic anatomy. But not all sunglasses are created equal. Sunglasses can be UV ray protective or polarized for your protection. Protective properties have varying degrees and it is important to have the right sunglasses for your needs.
The numbers on your glasses are your sunglasses measurements, and if you see letters such as CE, that means that your sunglasses conform to the EU standards for UV protection.
The American Optometric Association recommends the use of sunglasses with 99-100% protection from UVA and UVB rays, which screen out 75-90% of visible light.
Polarized lenses are most useful for activities that cause reflected glare, such as fishing, snowboarding, or driving.
The Differences Between Polarized and UV Protection Lenses
Everyone knows that applying sunblock every day can help prevent your skin from being damaged by the sun. But did you know that the sun’s harmful rays can also damage your eyes? Failing to protect your eyes can lead to eye problems and even diseases. Luckily, many types of sunglass lenses are created to prevent these vision problems. Today we will discuss two types of sunglass lenses: polarized and UV protection.
Polarized and UV-protected lenses protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunglasses also help prevent uncomfortable squinting and eye strain caused by the sun. We recommend purchasing polarized lenses treated with a UV protection coating. This way, you’ll have the benefits of both types of sunglasses: UV protection with enhanced vision. Continue reading to learn the differences between polarized and UV protection lenses.
The Benefits of UV Protection Lenses
Wearing UV-protected lenses protects your eyes from harmful UV radiation but does not reduce glare like progressive lenses. As a result, you may experience glare or eye fatigue from wearing UV lenses.
Benefits of Polarized Lenses
Looking to reduce glare or reflections that interfere with your vision? Polarized lenses may be your answer. Polarized lenses increase your contrast, making colors appear vivid without the annoying glare. They are especially great for use on reflective surfaces, such as water. It can be difficult to see below the water’s surface without a pair of polarized lenses, which allow you to see deeper without the sun’s reflection interfering.
Most polarized sunglasses also include UV protection, offering a two-in-one solution. These lenses are especially helpful during foggy or partly cloudy days, as they sharpen your vision. As a result, you’ll experience reduced eye fatigue and strain.
Important Things to Remember When Shopping for a Pair of Sunglasses
Many different sunglass styles and brands are available - but how do you know which is the right one for you? Follow these tips when shopping for your next pair of sunglasses.
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Although a pair of sunglasses may be stylish, it doesn’t always mean they’ll protect from the sun. Lenses with a dark or metallic finish may help reduce the amount of light entering your eye, but it doesn’t always mean they protect against UV rays. Always read the label or ask an associate for more information about a pair of sunglasses you’re considering purchasing.
Choose Your Lens Based On Your Lifestyle
There are different lens materials that can be especially great for those with a more active lifestyle. Athletes should choose polycarbonate sunglass lenses, which are tougher than standard plastic lenses. We recommend purchasing frames with colored lenses, such as green or amber. These lenses enable you to see with more contrast. This is especially helpful when doing any type of outdoor activity.
Stay Protected from UV Rays
Unprotected exposure to UV rays can lead to painful eye diseases and even ocular cancer. To prevent this, purchase a pair of sunglasses that offer 99-100% UV protection. Look for a label that says “UV absorption up to 400nm," meaning the sunglasses have 100% UV protection.
The larger the lens, the more protection it offers. When choosing a frame style, choose a pair with a large or wrap-around lens.
Polycarbonate lenses do not need UV coatings. In fact, they’re a material that can be used to make both normal vision correction glasses AND sunglasses.
If a tinted lens has UV400 protection, it means that it blocks almost 100% of harmful UV light. If you choose from our sunglasses frames, gradient, mirrored, and polarized-mirrored lenses offer UV400 protection.
Transition lenses have UV protection. In fact, photochromic lenses of all types protect your eyes from UVA rays and UVB rays in one of the most convenient ways imaginable. Since they automatically switch between UV protection and vision correction modes, you’ll never need to remember to fish your sunglasses out of your bag and put them on again.
Cheap sunglasses protect your eyes at a less-than optimal level. If you really want to give your eyes the UV protection they deserve, we offer some of the best sunglasses for eye protection online. At EyeBuyDirect, you can select from a variety of stylish UV protection options for both men and women. It’s a solid investment that’s both cost-effective and health-forward.
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