Many of us are guilty of grabbing cheap sunglasses on the go. I’ve done it myself—picked up a pair at a gas station or ordered an inexpensive pair off Amazon. Why bother with high-end sunglasses when I know I’ll either drop them, forget them at a restaurant, or let my dog chew them up?
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But here’s the question: Are those cheap sunglasses potentially costing you more in the long run, especially when it comes to your eye health?
According to experts, it might be time to rethink our sunglass habits. Let’s break it down using the PAS (Problem, Agitation, Solution) method to see how those bargain-bin sunglasses may not be the deal you think they are.
Are Cheap Sunglasses Putting Your Eyes At Risk?
You wouldn’t skip the sunscreen and expose your skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, so why are so many of us neglecting eye protection? A surprising number of people ignore the importance of shielding their eyes from UV light. While good-quality sunglasses can block harmful rays, cheaper alternatives might not offer the same protection.
Dr. Mark Blecher, a Philadelphia-based ophthalmologist and chief medical administrator at Wills Eye Hospital, warns that UV light can damage both the exterior parts of the eye—like the cornea—and the outer layer, known as the conjunctiva. While our skin has become the center of sun protection efforts, the eyes remain vulnerable.
“UV light can cause a range of issues, from cataracts to more severe conditions like eye cancer,” said Dr. Victoria Tseng, an ophthalmologist from UCLA. Cheaper sunglasses may not protect you adequately from these risks, meaning that bargain pair could cost you much more in terms of long-term health.
The Consequences of Skipping Proper Protection
The real damage happens when you consistently expose your eyes to UV rays without proper protection. What happens when your cheap sunglasses don't do their job? Let’s dive into the risks that could impact you sooner than you think.
Risk of Cataracts
Many people assume cataracts only affect the elderly, but that’s not the case. Younger individuals, particularly those who spend long hours outdoors, are also susceptible to early cataracts. Dr. Tseng notes that outdoor workers, who spend extended periods exposed to sunlight, often need cataract surgery at a younger age than expected.
Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, impairing vision and sometimes requiring surgery. It’s not a minor issue, and while cataract surgery is common, it’s avoidable—especially if caused by preventable UV damage.
Pterygia and Pingueculae
If cataracts aren’t enough to get you to reconsider those cheap sunglasses, there’s more. Prolonged UV exposure can cause small lesions to develop on the white part of your eye and the cornea, known as pterygia and pingueculae. While these may seem harmless, they can become inflamed, causing redness, discomfort, and even vision problems. In some cases, surgical intervention is required to remove them.
Ocular Cancers
One of the scariest risks associated with inadequate eye protection is cancer. Though rare, cancers inside and around the eye can develop with prolonged exposure to UV light. “There are several types of cancers, including melanomas and skin cancers, that can develop in and around the eyes without proper UV protection,” says Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at Mount Sinai in New York.
People with lighter-colored eyes and fair skin are more prone to these types of cancers. Sunglasses aren’t just about eye protection—they also shield the delicate skin around the eyes, which is highly vulnerable to sun damage.
Even more alarming, one patient reportedly suffered permanent retina damage and a visual defect after not wearing proper sunglasses during a solar eclipse, reminding us how critical eye protection can be—even for rarer situations.
How to Choose Sunglasses That Actually Protect Your Eyes
Fortunately, protecting your eyes from UV damage is simple if you know what to look for. The first step? Don’t just settle for the cheapest option you can find. Here’s what you need to know when choosing your next pair of sunglasses:
1. Prioritize UV Protection
According to experts, the most critical feature to look for in sunglasses is their ability to block both UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Blecher suggests looking for sunglasses labeled with “UV400,” which blocks 100% of ultraviolet light.
This is key: the darkness of the lenses has nothing to do with UV protection. “Just because a pair of sunglasses is dark doesn’t mean it’s actually blocking UV rays,” Dr. Deobhakta warns. So, don’t be fooled by tint alone; always check for the UV protection label.
If you’re unsure if your sunglasses offer UV protection, you can take them to an optical shop, which often has devices to measure UV levels in lenses.
2. Consider Polarized Lenses for Extra Comfort
While polarization doesn’t necessarily add UV protection, it can make your sunglasses more comfortable to wear. Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water or snow, making them ideal for outdoor activities like driving, skiing, or boating.
Dr. Deobhakta suggests polarized lenses for people with cataracts or those planning to engage in outdoor activities, as they reduce glare and can minimize temporary blindness caused by reflected light.
3. Find the Right Fit
One reason people ditch sunglasses is discomfort—if they’re too tight, too loose, or cause headaches, you’re less likely to wear them. A poorly fitting pair might cause you to squint or experience eyestrain, leading you to give up on wearing sunglasses altogether. If your sunglasses are uncomfortable, you won’t be protecting your eyes when you need to.
Dr. Tseng recommends finding glasses that fit well around your ears and nose to increase comfort and ensure you wear them for long periods without discomfort.
4. Oversized or Wraparound Styles Offer More Coverage
Larger sunglasses or those with a wraparound style aren’t just trendy—they also provide better protection by shielding the skin around your eyes. They prevent UV rays from sneaking in from the sides, giving you more complete coverage.
For those with fair skin, Dr. Tseng advises oversized glasses with good UV protection to shield the eyelids and surrounding areas, which are prone to skin cancer.
Debunking Some Common Myths About Sunglasses
Even with all the data, there are still some common misconceptions that might be steering people toward less protective eyewear. Let’s clear up a few myths:
Myth 1: Sunglasses are only necessary in summer or on sunny days.
The truth is, UV rays are present year-round, even when it’s cloudy. Dr. Edward Manche from Stanford University points out that even on overcast days or during the fall and winter, UV rays can still reach your eyes, so it’s important to wear sunglasses all year long.
Myth 2: All expensive sunglasses are good for your eyes.
Price doesn’t always indicate protection. Just because a pair of sunglasses is expensive doesn’t mean they are better at blocking UV rays. What you should look for is UV400 labeling, polarization (for extra comfort), and a good fit—regardless of the price.
Myth 3: The darker the lenses, the better.
As mentioned earlier, the darkness of the lenses has no bearing on UV protection. In fact, dark lenses without proper UV filtering can do more harm than good by causing your pupils to dilate and let in even more harmful light.
The Real Cost of Cheap Sunglasses
It’s tempting to go for the most affordable option, especially if you’re someone who misplaces sunglasses often. But consider the long-term costs. Sunglasses without proper UV protection can lead to serious eye conditions that require treatment or surgery—cataracts, pterygia, or even eye cancer. Not only is this harmful to your health, but it can also be far more expensive than simply investing in a quality pair of sunglasses.
Dr. Deobhakta emphasizes that the goal should be finding a pair of sunglasses you’ll wear regularly. “The best sunglasses are the ones you’ll actually use every day,” he says. So, invest in a pair that fits well, protects your eyes, and feels comfortable enough that you won’t leave them behind.
Invest Now, Save Later
Next time you’re tempted to pick up a pair of cheap sunglasses from the corner store or online, consider the hidden cost. Eye protection is not something you want to gamble with. Inadequate sunglasses can lead to lifelong damage that may require surgery, and in extreme cases, lead to loss of vision or cancer.
Don’t wait until your next eye exam to make a change. Start prioritizing your eye health today by choosing sunglasses with UV400 protection, a comfortable fit, and the features you need to enjoy the outdoors safely. Your eyes will thank you—and so will your wallet, in the long run.
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