We spend more time outdoors during the summer, which means more exposure to the sun. On sunny days, we usually think about wearing sunscreen, protective clothing or a hat to avoid sunburn. But when it comes to sunglasses, they often feel like an optional extra. However, sunglasses are just as important as sunscreen when it comes to protecting your eyes from the sun.

Just like sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UV rays, eye protection sunglasses help guard your eyes from them too. They come in many different sizes and styles. Some sunglasses are more about fashion than function, and you likely have a pair that you love. While they make it easier to see on bright days, the right pair can protect your eyes for years and the wrong ones might actually harm your eyes.

When it comes to blocking harmful UV rays, sunglasses protection for eyes are the best choice. They are specially designed to protect your eyes from the sun’s invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

At Prism Eye Care, all our sunglasses provide 100% UV protection, which ensures your eyes stay safe while adding a stylish touch to your look. Let us take a closer look at how UV-protective sunglasses protect your eyes from UV damage and the benefits of wearing sunglasses. 

Types of UV rays and how they affect you

UV rays are divided into three types, each with different wavelengths and effects on your skin:

• UVB rays: These rays have shorter wavelengths and mainly affect the outer layer of your skin. They are the main cause of sunburns and play a big role in skin cancer. UVB rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially at higher altitudes. 
• UVC rays: These rays have the shortest wavelengths, but most of them are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, so they do not usually pose a threat. 
• UVA rays: These rays have the longest wavelengths and can go deep into the skin. They are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and can be present all day, even when it is cloudy. 

How the sun can harm your eyes

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to your eyes. Even though UV rays are invisible, they make up a large part of the sunlight we receive every day. While our skin is more sensitive to UV rays, our eyes are also at risk, especially our eyelids. 

Types of eye damage from the sun

Surfer’s eyes (pterygium)

Too much UV light can lead to the growth of a cloudy, wedge-shaped bump on the cornea (the clear surface of the eye), which stretches from the corner of your eye toward the center. These growths can stay small, but in some cases, they can expand. This not only affects vision but also causes discomfort. 

Sunburned eyes (photokeratitis)

Just like skin can get sunburned, your eyes can too. Sunburn on the eyes happens when UV rays burn the cornea and the inside of the eyelids (the conjunctiva). It causes pain, redness, watering eyes, swelling and blurry vision. 

Skin cancer on the eyelids

Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancers like basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma on the eyelids. These cancers are usually not fatal, but they can grow aggressively if left untreated.

Be sure to wear eye protection sunglasses with UV protection, a hat or other forms of eye protection when spending time in the sun to reduce the risk of eye damage. Moreover, make sure your sunglasses fit well and block light from getting in around the edges. 

How sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays

The best sunglasses to protect eyes help protect your eyes from UV rays, but how well they work depends on the type of lens. Polycarbonate lenses naturally block UV rays, while some glass and most plastic lenses need a special coating to do the same.

This coating acts like sunscreen for your eyes, which lets light through but blocks harmful UV rays from both the sun and surfaces that reflect sunlight. Sunglasses with UV protection are usually labeled to show they offer this extra layer of defense, no matter the lens material.

Related: Types of Sunglasses: Discover the Best Fit for Your Look

Which sunglasses styles offer better UV protection?

To get more UV protection, choose sunglasses that cover a larger area of your face:

Aviator sunglasses

Originally designed for pilots, aviator sunglasses offer great coverage and maximum protection for your eyes. 

Browline sunglasses

These classic sunglasses have a unique style and also provide good protection for your eyes and the area around them. 

Oversized sunglasses

Sunglasses with large frames and lenses offer better coverage, which helps block more UV rays from reaching your eyes. 

Further Read: Protect Your Eyes in Style: Top Tips for Selecting the Perfect Sunglasses

When is it important to wear sunglasses?

UV rays are present all year, so it is a good idea to wear sunglasses as often as you can. Even on cloudy days, UV light still reaches us and can bounce off surfaces like snow, concrete, water and sand. In winter, UV rays can reflect off the snow, which causes a condition called “snow blindness.”

Wearing sunglasses regularly, starting from a young age, helps reduce the risk of eye damage from UV rays and protects the sensitive skin around your eyes. 

What level of UV protection should your sunglasses offer?

When choosing sunglasses, make sure they are labeled with “100% UV protection” or “UV 400 protection.” These sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays, which gives your eyes full protection from harmful UV radiation. 

Wearing sunglasses inside

Blue light from screens can disrupt your sleep patterns and cause eye strain and dryness, especially with long hours of screen use. However, there is no proof that blue light actually harms your eyes. Blue-light-blocking sunglasses may help rescue eye strain for people who spend a lot of time in front of screens for work or school.

However, there is not much evidence to suggest they help with sleep or circadian rhythm issues. For people who suffer from chronic migraines, wearing FL-41 (light pink) sunglasses can help reduce sensitivity to fluorescent lights and may lessen migraine attacks. 

At Prism Eye Care, we care about your eye health and offer sunglasses with excellent UV protection, so you can enjoy the outdoors without concern. Take care of your eye health and look great with our wide range of sunglasses. Visit our store today or browse our collection online to find the best sunglasses to protect your eyes.