Why UV Protection in Sunglasses Matters More Than You Think

Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory — they’re one of the most important tools for protecting your eye health. But here’s what most people don’t know: dark lenses without proper UV protection can actually be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all.

How UV Rays Damage Your Eyes

The sun emits two types of harmful ultraviolet radiation:

• UVA rays — Penetrate deep into the eye and can damage the retina and macula over time
• UVB rays — Affect the front of the eye, causing conditions like photokeratitis (a sunburn on your cornea)

Long-term UV exposure has been linked to:

• Cataracts — Clouding of the eye’s natural lens
• Macular degeneration — Permanent damage to central vision
• Pterygium — A growth on the white of the eye
• Skin cancer around the eyelids

Why Dark Lenses Without UV Protection Are Dangerous

When you wear dark sunglasses, your pupils dilate to let in more light. If those lenses don’t block UV rays, you’re exposing your eyes to MORE harmful radiation than without sunglasses.

Always look for sunglasses labeled “100% UV Protection” or “UV400.”

How to Choose the Right Sunglasses

• Check for UV400 or 100% UV protection — Non-negotiable
• Polarized lenses reduce glare — Great for driving and outdoor activities
• Lens color matters:
• Brown/amber — Enhances contrast, great for driving
• Gray — Reduces brightness without distorting colors, ideal for astigmatism
• Green — Provides good contrast and reduces glare
• Bigger frames = more protection

Protect Your Eyes Year-Round

UV rays can be strong on cloudy days and during winter. Make sunglasses a daily habit, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Find Your Perfect Pair at Everett Vision Center

We carry a curated selection of sunglasses with 100% UV protection, including polarized options.

Browse our collection in-store or shop online at everettvisioncenter.com/shop

📞 Call us at (617) 389-0099 for personalized recommendations.