Understanding uv protection

Sunshine protection for your eyes.

UV damage to your eyes is cumulative — and unlike skin, there's no tan or visible burn to warn you. Good sunglasses are medical protection disguised as fashion.

What's happening

UV damage, decades in the making.

Every hour of UV exposure without protection adds to lifetime risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, eyelid cancers, and pterygium (a growth on the eye surface).

Kids are especially vulnerable — their clearer lenses let more UV through. And cumulative damage means exposure at age 10 still matters at age 60.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Essential

100% UV sunglasses

Look for "100% UV protection" or "UV 400." Brand and price don't matter — the label does.

Best shape

Wraparound style

Blocks UV from the sides, not just the front. Side exposure is often overlooked.

Daily shade

Wide-brim hat

Adds extra protection. A 3-inch brim cuts UV exposure significantly.

Contacts

UV-blocking lenses

Some contact lenses (like Acuvue) block UV too. Doesn't replace sunglasses — but adds protection.

Sudden symptoms after sun

Severe pain or blurred vision after intense sun exposure (snow, water, welding) could be photokeratitis — a sunburn of the cornea. Cool compresses, artificial tears, and call us. It usually resolves in 24–48 hours.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

Does "UV 400" mean better?+

Not better than "100% UV" — they mean the same thing. Both block all UVA (up to 400nm) and UVB. Cheap drugstore sunglasses can be just as protective as designer ones if they have this label.

Polarized vs not — does it matter for protection?+

UV protection and polarization are separate features. Polarization reduces glare from reflections — great for driving and water. It doesn't add UV protection, but many polarized lenses also happen to be UV-blocking.

Do clear glasses with UV coating work?+

Yes. Clear lenses can block 100% UV if coated correctly. Good for indoor-outdoor days. They don't replace sunglasses in bright sun because they don't reduce overall brightness.

What about my kids?+

Critical. Most UV damage accumulates before age 18 because kids' lenses are clearer. Wraparound sunglasses or a wide-brim hat starting in infancy is great protection.

Do I need sunglasses on cloudy days?+

UV penetrates clouds — you get 50–80% of sunny-day UV on overcast days. For long outdoor activities, wear them regardless of clouds.