How to Choose the Best Sunglasses to Avoid Sun Damage

Sunglasses are essential eye wear in all seasons of the year. 

They protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays, the radiation energy produced by the sun. These UV rays—including UV-A and especially UV-B—damage the eye’s surface, cornea, and lens. That damage can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions that can permanently damage your sight. 

Don't just buy the first pair of sunglasses you see. Certain sunglasses features can help prevent sun damage, keeping your eyes healthy and your vision strong.

100% UV protection

When buying sunglasses, don't settle for partial protection. Look for a sticker or tag that promises 100% UV protection from all types of UV light. Some labels say “UV absorption up to 400nm,” which is also acceptable.

Large lenses

Not only are oversize sunglasses in style, they also offer the largest shield from sun damage. Wraparound-style sunglasses offer even more protection by preventing UV rays from entering along the sides.

Quality

Don't risk your vision by settling for low-quality lenses. Follow these steps to test the quality of your sunglasses: 

1. Look at something with a rectangular pattern, like a tiled floor.
2. Hold the glasses at a comfortable distance from your face while covering one eye.
3. Move the glasses slowly from side to side, then up and down, looking through the lenses.
4. If the rectangular lines stay straight, the lenses are fine. If the lines are wavy or wiggle (especially in the center of the lens), discard them and search for a better pair.

Impact protection

All sunglasses must meet Food and Drug Administration impact safety standards. While no lens is truly unbreakable, plastic lenses are less likely than glass lenses to shatter. Most nonprescription lenses are made from some type of plastic. 

For sports, polycarbonate sunglasses may be helpful because they can withstand stronger impacts than regular plastic lenses. Just be sure to get a scratch-resistant coating. Uncoated polycarbonate lenses tend to scratch easily.

Darker lenses aren't always better

When looking for sunglasses, don’t be fooled into thinking the darker the lens, the more they'll protect your eyes from the sun. Only sunglasses with 100% UV protection provide the safety you need.

Polarized lenses reduce glare, but won’t block UV rays

Polarized lenses reduce the glare bouncing off reflective surfaces such as water or roads. Polarization itself does not provide UV protection. Instead, it provides a better experience for certain activities like driving, boating, or golfing. That said, some polarized lenses come with a UV-blocking finish. Check the label of your polarized sunglasses to make sure they provide maximum UV protection.

Colored and metallic lenses don't offer more UV protection 

• Sunglasses with colored lenses (such as amber or gray) won’t necessarily block out more sun than other lenses.
• Brown or rose-colored lenses provide extra contrast, which is helpful to athletes who play sports such as golf or baseball.
• Mirror finishes or metallic coatings may reduce the amount of light entering your eyes. But they won't fully protect you from UV light. Be sure to select sunglasses that offer 100% protection.