Darker lenses aren’t better
When shopping for sunglasses, don’t be fooled into thinking that darker lenses will protect your eyes better from the sun. Only sunglasses with 100% UV protection will give you the security you need.
Polarized lenses reduce glare, but they don’t block UV rays
Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as water or pavement. Polarization itself doesn’t offer UV protection, but it can make certain activities, such as driving, boating, or golfing, better. However, some polarized lenses come with a UV protection coating.
Colored and metallic lenses don’t necessarily offer better UV protection
Colorful and mirrored lenses are more about style than protection: Sunglasses with colored lenses (such as gray) don’t necessarily block more sunlight than other lenses.
Brown or rose-tinted lenses can provide extra contrast, which is helpful for athletes who play sports such as golf or baseball.
Mirrored or metallic coatings can reduce the amount of light that enters your eyes, but they don’t completely protect you from UV rays. Be sure to choose sunglasses that offer 100% protection.
Expensive sunglasses aren’t always the safest
Sunglasses don’t have to be expensive to be safe and effective. Drugstore sunglasses labeled 100% UV protection are better than designer sunglasses without protection.
Sunglasses Don’t Protect You from All UV Rays
Regular sunglasses won’t protect your eyes from certain light sources. These sources include tanning beds, snow, and arc welding. You need special lens filters for these extremes. Also, sunglasses won’t protect you if you look directly at the sun, including during a solar eclipse. Don’t do that! Looking at any of these light sources without proper eye protection can cause photokeratitis. Photokeratitis is severe and painful. It can even damage your retina, causing permanent central vision loss.
Post time: Jul-03-2025