Sunglasses And UV Light: Q&A
Q: I've heard that cheap sunglasses can be more damaging to your eyes than wearing no sunglasses at all. Apparently, when one wears sunglasses the pupil widens; if the sunglasses have poor UV protection, then the eyes are damaged more by the sun's rays. Is this correct, or are any sunglasses better than none? — G.H., Malaysia
A: I have heard this as well, but I've never seen any confirming studies. It does sort of make sense, though. But remember, even clear lenses can have 100 percent UV protection.
Having said that, I do highly recommend quality lenses for best comfort and vision — both in regular glasses and sunglasses. Why take chances with your eyes? — Dr. Dubow
[Here are 10 reasons that cheap glasses are a waste of money.]
Q: How can I find inexpensive sunglasses that are guaranteed to block 100 percent UV? Many are made in China and say 100 percent UV protection. But how do I really know? — M.D., North Carolina
A: The amount of UV protection that sunglasses provide cannot be determined by the color of the lenses, the country of origin or the price of the eyewear. The determining factor is the lens material and any additional UV-blocking coatings that may be applied. Uncoated plastic sunglass lenses block about 88 percent UV; polycarbonate lenses block 100 percent UV.
Many cheap sunglasses use a material called triacetate. This material absorbs only about 40 percent of the UV rays. Lenses may also be made of other acrylic materials, which will vary in how much UV protection they provide.
All sunglasses with polarized sunglasses block 100 percent UV, regardless of the lens material or price of the eyewear (though polarized sunglasses tend to be more expensive than sunglasses without this extra glare-blocking feature).
To know that your sunglasses provide 100 percent UV protection, purchase them from reputable companies, specialty sunglass stores or from an optical professional. — Mark Mattison-Shupnick, master optician
Q: What is the best color for prescription sunglass lenses? — J.N., Pennsylvania
A: Sunglass lens colors are really a personal preference. As you noticed, some change your perceptions of color, brightness and contrast, and some don't.
The most important feature to look for in a sunglass lens is how much UV radiation it absorbs — you want 100 percent for maximum protection. It's also important to get sunglasses with quality lenses that are free from optical distortions.
Sunglasses with gray lenses will darken the world without altering your color perception. The lens tint I prefer in my sunglasses is called G-15, which is a combination of gray and green. It is the original tint that Bausch + Lomb used in their Ray-Ban sunglasses for pilots. — Dr. Dubow
Q: Are there any doctor recommendations for polarized sun lenses? — L.K., Ohio
A: Polarized lenses are great for those who spend time on water, drive a lot, etc. The polarization actually cuts out the light coming from the horizontal meridian while allowing in the light coming in from the vertical meridian. In other words, it blocks the light that reflects in from water or the highway, reducing glare.
Most professional optical dispensaries have a demonstration display of how polarization works — check it out. — Dr. Dubow
Q: Can't sunglasses be dangerous for the eyes because they dilate the pupil and allow more UV to reach the lens and retina? — R.G., Illinois
A: This may be true with cheap sunglasses that don't provide adequate UV protection. It's important to make sure your sunglasses have quality lenses that block 100 percent of the sun's harmful UV rays.
If you have doubts about your sunglasses, many eye care practitioners and optical shops have a device that can measure the amount of UV protection your lenses provide. It takes just a few seconds to insure you are properly protected. — Dr. Dubow
Q: I know it's important to wear sunglasses that block UV outdoors, but I wear prescription glasses and I don't want to always have to bring a pair of prescription sunglasses with me wherever I go. Any suggestions? — F.R., Arizona
A: Absolutely. Consider purchasing photochromic lenses for your next pair of glasses. These lenses are clear indoors, darken automatically in sunlight and provide 100 percent UV protection.
Photochromic lenses are available in a wide variety of materials and designs, including progressive lenses if you have a bifocal eyeglass prescription. And because you will only need one pair of glasses indoors and in the sun, you won't have to worry about forgetting to bring your sunglasses with you wherever you go.
Photochromic lenses cost more than standard clear prescription lenses, but you typically will save money compared with buying a second pair of prescription glasses with sunglass lenses. Ask your optician for details. — Dr. Heiting
Q: After being in the sun all day I am unable to see well for weeks. I then have a problem of having enough light to see well. — H.K., Illinois
A: Without examining your eyes, I cannot tell you why you are having these problems. You may be experiencing some sort of temporary damage to your eyes from UV radiation — a condition commonly called snow blindness.
The technical term for snow blindness is photokeratitis. Essentially it is a sunburned eye, and it can occur whether or not you are near snow. The reason it's called "snow blindness" is because snow is highly reflective and the sun's UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes, so the risk of photokeratitis is especially high if you are skiing or snowboarding without sunglasses on a sunny day. But you can get sunburned eyes any time of year at any elevation if you spend enough time outdoors without UV-blocking sunglasses.
Your symptoms are unusual, though, because vision problems from snow blindness typically resolve within a few days. I strongly suggest you see an eye doctor for a thorough evaluation. — Dr. Dubow
Q: I'm out in the sun every day gardening, etc. I always wear large hats. Do I still have to wear sunglasses? — B.P., Florida
A: You bet! Hats are great and I recommend them, but sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays that can contribute to causing cataracts and macular degeneration.
It is important to get sunglasses that block 100 percent of the harmful UV and have good optical quality. I recommend going to an optician or eye doctor's optical shop because ineffective dark glasses can mislead you into exposing your eyes to excessive doses of radiation. Good sunglasses do not have to be expensive.
The newest trend is to get sunglass clips that fit your frames. These can be very effective in protecting your eyes if they are of good quality. — Dr. Dubow
Q: Can you tell me what the difference is between anti-reflective lenses and polarized lenses? No one seems to want to, or perhaps they're just not able to answer this question for me. — D.L., New York
A: Anti-reflective coating eliminates reflections from the front and back surfaces of lenses and from light bouncing between the two lens surfaces to provide clearer, more comfortable vision.
Polarized lenses cut out light from one whole meridian, typically the horizontal one. This minimizes the glare from light that bounces off water, the hood of your car or a shiny road surface. Polarization is useful for fishermen or people that do a lot of driving, though many outdoors people prefer polarized sun lenses.
Polarization is usually applied only to sun lenses, whereas anti-reflective coatings can be used on both indoor and outdoor glasses with success. — Dr. Dubow
Please note: If you have an urgent question about your eye health, contact your eye care practitioner immediately. This page is designed to provide general information about vision, vision care and vision correction. It is not intended to provide medical advice. If you suspect that you have a vision problem or a condition that requires attention, consult with an eye care professional for advice on the treatment of your own specific condition and for your own particular needs. For more information, read our Terms of Use.
Page published on Wednesday, April 3, 2019
