What You Need to Know

Whether you’re driving, walking outdoors, or climbing a mountain, sunglasses are an important part of protecting your eyes. Choosing the right pair starts with UV protection, comfortable coverage, and lenses suited to your activity.

Why UV Protection Matters

Ultraviolet radiation can damage the eye’s surface and contribute to cataracts and certain growths on the eye, such as pterygium. It can also damage the skin around the eyes.

Intense exposure can cause photokeratitis—a painful injury sometimes called snow blindness. Symptoms may develop several hours after exposure.

What to Look For

Check the label. Price, lens color, and darkness alone do not tell you how much UV protection a pair provides.

Larger frames and wraparound styles help limit sunlight entering from the sides. Choose a comfortable fit that stays in place.

Consider visibility, glare, changing light, and compatibility with your helmet or goggles. For sports with an eye-injury risk, choose appropriate protective sports eyewear.

Polarized Does Not Mean UV-Protective

Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water and roads. They can improve comfort, but polarization and UV protection are different features. Check for both if you want both benefits.

Darker Is Not Always Better

A darker tint reduces visible brightness but does not necessarily block more UV. Choose the tint for your surroundings and the UV protection by its labeling.

Avoid lenses that make it difficult to see in shade or changing light.

Extra Care in the Mountains

UV exposure increases with altitude, and snow reflects substantial UV radiation. Glacier glasses with side protection or suitable goggles can provide better coverage in these environments.

Choose a tint appropriate for the conditions. Very dark Category 4 lenses are intended for intense sunlight and are not suitable for driving.

Carry spare protective eyewear on remote trips.

Protection Beyond Sunny Days

Clouds do not block all UV radiation. Consider your exposure even when the weather is cool or overcast, particularly around snow and other reflective surfaces.

A brimmed hat adds protection. Children also need well-fitting UV-protective eyewear when outdoors.

Contact Lenses and Eye Surgery

UV-blocking contact lenses do not cover the whole eye or protect the eyelids, so sunglasses remain important.

After eye surgery, follow your surgeon’s specific advice about eyewear and outdoor activities.

Unsure About Your Sunglasses?

An optical shop may be able to test their UV protection. If you develop significant pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision after sun exposure, seek prompt eye care.


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