Summer Eye Health: 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Skip Sunglasses

Dr. Diana Balcarras Berg, B.Sc., O.D.

Summer is here and while most people remember to grab sunscreen and a hat before heading out, it is important not to leave behind your sunglasses too. Protecting your eyes from the sun is just as important as protecting your skin.

Here are five compelling reasons why sunglasses should be your summer essential:

1. UV Rays Can Damage Your Eyes Even on Cloudy Days

Just like your skin, your eyes can be harmed by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Long-term exposure increases your risk of serious eye health conditions such as:

• Photokeratitis (a painful sunburn of the eye)

• Cataracts (clouding of the lens)

• Macular degeneration (loss of central vision)

Even on overcast days, up to 80 percent of UV rays can still reach your eyes. That is why daily eye protection matters.

2. Sunglasses Help Prevent Wrinkles and Skin Cancer Around the Eyes

The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, making it especially vulnerable to sun damage.

High-quality sunglasses with full UV protection can reduce your risk of:

• Fine lines and crow’s feet

• Skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, which often appear near the eyes and on the face

Wearing sunglasses can also reduce how much you squint, which may help slow the development of creases and lines.

3. They Shield You from Wind, Dust, and Allergens

In the summer, you are more likely to be outside, whether at the beach, on a trail, or in a breezy backyard. Sunglasses act as a physical barrier, helping to:

• Reduce eye dryness

• Block irritants such as pollen, sand, and dust

• Protect contact lens wearers from discomfort

Wraparound styles are especially effective at keeping environmental elements out of your eyes.

4. Sunglasses Can Improve Your Comfort and Visual Clarity

Bright sunlight can cause glare, which makes it hard to see clearly and could potentially be dangerous if you are driving or cycling. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare off surfaces like water, pavement, and car hoods, helping you:

• See more clearly and comfortably so you can react faster to obstacles

• Avoid eye strain and fatigue

5. Kids Need Them Too

Children’s eyes are more vulnerable to UV rays than adults. Children’s pupils are larger and the lenses in their eyes are clearer, which allows more UV to reach the retina. In fact, the majority of a person’s lifetime UV exposure occurs before the age of 18.

That is why it is important to:

• Choose well-fitting sunglasses for kids that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays

• Make sunglasses a daily habit early in life, just like sunscreen

The Bottom Line

Not all sunglasses are created equal. When choosing a pair, look for:

• A label that says “100 percent UV protection” or “UV400”

• Lenses that fully cover the eyes and surrounding skin

• A comfortable fit that encourages regular use

If you’d like more information about the impact of UV on the eyes, Dr. Lisa Christian, an associate clinical professor at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, was recently interviewed on the CBC about how to protect your eyes during the summer. You can listen to the clip here: Why you need to protect your eyes this summer | The Morning Edition - K-W | On Demand | CBC Listen.

This summer, do not leave your eyes out of your sun safety routine. Your future self will thank you.

• Photography Sources

  1. Sunglasses on beach chair.

  2. Sunburn.

  3. Children at playground: AI Generated.