Are Your Sunglasses Protecting Your Eyes?

Finding the right pair of sunglasses isn’t just a summer fashion statement; it’s also an important step in protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. While there are many options to choose from, not all sunglasses will protect your eyes. In fact, some sunglasses give you a false sense of security and really don’t offer enough UV protection.

That was the case for one woman who shared her story on TikTok, warning others about buying “cheap” sunglasses.

“Because I decided to buy trendy sunglasses that were like $5 on Amazon, I am paying the ultimate price,” the she said. 

In the now-deleted video, the user claimed she was diagnosed with a pinguecula. That’s a non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva—the thin transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye, says Michelle Holmes, OD, optometrist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA.

“Although pingueculae are typically harmless and do not interfere with vision, they tend to become irritated more easily than other ocular structures, causing the eye to look red or feel uncomfortable,” say Holmes.

The TikToker’s story highlights the importance of being picky when choosing sunglasses. Not all of them provide the protection you need, so knowing what to look for is key. Here’s why wearing the right sunglasses matters and what to look for to keep your eyes safe, according to experts.

The health benefits of wearing sunglasses

Wearing proper sunglasses is essential for protecting your eyes from UV damage as well as shielding them from other environmental irritants like wind and dust, according to Holmes.

Sunglasses also reduce glare and improve visual comfort, especially if they have tinted or polarized lenses designed for specific tasks, said Holmes. In addition, they cover the delicate skin around your eyes, which may “reduce the risk of developing wrinkles, fine lines, and even skin cancer,” Holmes added. 

Bryce St. Clair, OD, FAAO, assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, emphasizes that sunglasses protect both the structures in the eye and the surrounding areas. 

“Wearing sunglasses helps block UV rays and wind from stimulating pinguecula growth,” says St. Clair. They also protect against eyelid skin cancers, worsening cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye problems.

How do sunglasses protect your eyes? 

Legitimate sunglasses typically contain films/coating that can block UVA and UVB rays, which are the most harmful to the eyes, says Brian Boxer Wachler, MD, ophthalmologist and medical reviewer at All About Vision.

When you’re wearing sunglasses, the pupil (the hole in the center of your eye that allows light to pass through) gets bigger because of the dark lens tint, according to St. Clair. For UV-certified sunglasses, this is not an issue because the larger “window” for the eye has a barrier protecting it from damage.

However, if you’re wearing illegitimate or counterfeit sunglasses, your pupils may dilate from the tinted lenses, but your eyes are actually receiving more harmful UV radiation than they would if you were squinting or not wearing sunglasses at all. “Think of it as going to the beach and applying protective sunscreen versus applying cooking oil,” says St. Clair.

Sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection will have a “UV 400” or “100% UV protection” label on them, said Holmes. If you’re not sure how helpful a pair will be, it’s also possible to test glasses for UV protection with an instrument called a photometer. “Some eye care professionals have these in their offices and can tell you exactly what wavelengths your sunglasses are blocking,” added Homes.

You can also verify your sunglasses by looking for a sticker or label certification, or by researching the brand you’re considering buying, adds St. Clair. “Most reputable sunglass retailers that you might find in a mall or at the supermarket will be selling legitimate sunglasses,” but if you are unsure, you can always visit your local eye health provider’s office and check out their options instead, according to St. Clair.

Other things you can do to protect your eyes

In addition to putting on protective sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can provide additional shade for your eyes, especially during peak sunlight hours, Boxer Wachler says.

However, the best way to protect your eyes from UV damage is to minimize sun exposure, according to Holmes. 

St. Clair adds that routine eye exams at least once every two years—or as recommended based on your age and risk factors—is good practice to monitor your eye health and detect any issues early on. 

What to look for when buying sunglasses 

Since there are so many options to choose from when it comes to sunglasses, experts say it’s important to consider several factors to make sure you’re getting the best protection and comfort for your money.

Here’s what to look for when buying sunglasses: 

1. UV Protection: The most important thing to look for is to make sure your sunglasses provide 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which helps prevent eye damage from ultraviolet light, according to Holmes. Most certified glasses will have a “UV 400” or “100% UV protection” label or sticker on them, but you can also do research online to check if the manufacturer provides verified UV protection.
2. Polarized Lenses: Another important factor to consider is whether the sunglasses have polarized lenses. These lenses have a special chemical coating applied to them that filters out light, reducing glare from reflective surfaces, adds Holmes. Although they are typically more expensive than tinted sunglasses and are not strictly necessary, the polarizing filter in these types of glasses blocks horizontal light waves, eliminating glare from horizontal planes around you—like the hood of an oncoming car or the surface of water. “This can reduce eyestrain and enhance visibility and comfort during activities like driving, skiing, and boating,” says Holmes. 
3. Overall Fit and Frame: Sunglasses should fit comfortably and securely around your face. If they are too big or fit poorly, they won’t adequately shield your eyes from light rays, according to Holmes, adding that “you’ll be less likely to keep on a frame that is uncomfortable to wear.” It’s also important that the lenses actually cover your eyes. Some of the more recent “fashion” frames are so small that they don’t block the sun from getting to your eyes, says Holmes. 
4. Material and Durability: When choosing sunglasses, another factor to consider is the frames and lens materials. While it’s less important than the lenses, choosing frames and lens materials that are sturdy and durable—such as Trivex, polycarbonate, glass, titanium, or stainless steel—can help them withstand everyday wear and tear, according to St. Clair. For some branded glasses, glass or plastic lenses are standard. Although the risk of shattering the lenses is low, it’s still possible. St. Clair says to “be cautious when buying these lenses because if they shatter, they can cause irreversible vision damage from the chipped pieces.” For most patients who are monocular or have a “lazy eye,” St. Clair recommends polycarbonate lenses because they are shatterproof.

If you’re looking to buy some protective sunglasses, know that you don’t necessarily need to spend hundreds of dollars. “You can definitely find a pair that will work well and protect your eyes for cheap. However, be careful with the freebies! They may not provide the full spectrum of protection,” adds St. Clair.

What this means for you

When shopping for sunglasses, prioritize pairs that provide 100% UV protection. Also consider factors like the overall fit, frame material, durability, and whether they are polarized. If you are unsure about the level of protection your sunglasses offer, bring them to your local eye care professional for guidance.