Do All Sunglasses Provide UV Protection?

Summer is approaching us here in North America, and almost everyone will be thinking about busting out their sunglasses or purchasing some new ones! I recommend sun protection to each and every one of my patients! Protecting your eyes from the sun and the harmful UV rays are just as important as putting on sunscreen for your skin.

Possible Eye Complications with UV Exposure

UV damage can cause an increase in cataract progression, macular degeneration, and can cause a painful sunburn on your eyes called photokeratitis. UV damage can also increase the prevalence of the thickening of the tissue over the whites of your eyes - this is called a pingecula and/or pterygium, which often leads to dry eyes and difficultly with contact lens wear. These are just a few examples of the harmful effects of UV light on the eyes!

However, the big question is whether or not all sunglasses provide UV protection?

The answer is NO!!

Most sunglasses available at the stores provide UV protection as it is relatively cheap to manufacture. However, you should look for sunglasses that state there is UV protection. Some sunglasses are merely tinted lenses, and DO NOT offer UV protection. Wearing tinted lenses on a bright day is actually WORSE than not wearing sunglasses at all! This is because our pupils dilate or enlarge behind the tinted lenses, and therefore lets in more harmful UV light!

Do Polarized Lenses Offer UV Protection?

MOST polarized lenses now on the market will have UV protection, but polarized lenses can exist without UV protection. If you are purchasing a polarized pair of sunglasses at an optical or credible sunglass store, chances are there will be UV protection in those sunglasses!

Sunglasses and tinted lenses with UV protection is the best method to reduce harmful UV light exposure. This method also increases the comfort of your eyes in bright and sunny conditions! There are also clear UV coatings that you can get on your lenses and also some contact lenses provide UV protection.

Stay eye-safe this summer by ensuring your sunglasses have UV protection!

Cheers!
drcynthia

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