Sunglasses Are Fashionable and Functional
While sunlight offers many benefits, excessive exposure poses risks. Sunglasses serve dual purposes: making a style statement while protecting eyes from sun damage and preserving vision.
The public largely underestimates UV radiation's eye damage. While more than eight out of 10 Americans know that extended UV exposure can cause skin cancer, fewer than one out of 10 know it can harm their eyes. Additionally, one-fifth of Americans mistakenly believe UV damage can be reversed.
This knowledge gap leads to inadequate protection habits. Fewer than half of Americans receive regular eye exams, and more than four out of 10 people don't wear UV-blocking sunglasses during the winter months when UV rays are still a threat.
Sunglass Quality Matters
Inferior sunglasses can actually increase UV exposure risk. When lenses lack UV protection, they block visible light while allowing the pupil to dilate, admitting more damaging UV rays to the retina. Quality sunglasses should absorb both UVA and UVB rays completely.
Everyone should be wearing lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflected light bouncing off water, vehicles, snow, or pavement — beneficial for driving, skiing, and fishing. While most include UV protection, checking labels remains important.