You probably already know that ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin. But they can harm your eyes, too – and not just on sunny days.
UV rays are invisible light from the sun. Too much UV exposure can hurt your vision over time. Even short bursts, like an afternoon without sunglasses, can cause damage.
There are three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are mostly blocked by the atmosphere, but UVA and UVB rays reach the ground and your eyes.
UV exposure can lead to several short- and long-term problems:
Even if your eyes feel fine now, UV damage builds up over time. Once it starts affecting your vision, it is hard to undo.
Many people only wear sunglasses in the summer, but UV rays are out all year. Snow, sand, water, and even concrete reflect sunlight and increase exposure. That means you can damage your eyes on the ski slopes, at the beach, or while walking the dog in winter.
Cloudy days are not safe either. Up to 80% of UV rays still get through cloud cover. If you are outside during daylight hours, your eyes are getting hit with UV light.
Bottom line: Wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection is not just about comfort or style. It is a key part of protecting your vision.
When shopping for sunglasses, the UV rating is one of the most important things to look for.
UV400 means the lenses block wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which includes 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
So if a pair of sunglasses says “UV400,” you get complete protection from the harmful UV rays that reach your eyes every day.
Some sunglasses might say things like “blocks 95% of UVB” or “UVB protection only.” That sounds decent, but it still leaves your eyes open to damage from UVB and UVA rays (which penetrate deeper into the eye).
If the label does not say “UV400” or “100% UVA/UVB protection,” the lenses will not block all harmful rays. Over time, even small amounts of UV exposure build up and cause lasting damage to your eyes.
A common mistake? Thinking darker lenses offer better protection. They do not, not unless they have a proper UV-blocking coating.
Some fashion sunglasses or cheap knockoffs might look dark enough to shield your eyes, but they actually do the opposite without UV protection.
Here is why: darker lenses cause your pupils to widen, letting in more light and potentially more UV rays. That means you could be increasing your risk for eye damage without realizing it.
Here is how to ensure you get real UV protection, not just a tinted lens.
The quickest way to spot UV protection is by reading the tag or sticker. Look for any of these phrases:
If you see any of these, you are in good shape.
Some sunglasses say things like “UV protection” or “UV absorbing” without giving a percentage. That is not specific enough. If the label does not mention UV400 or 100% UV, there is no way to know how much protection you are getting.
If there is no tag or if you already own the sunglasses, you still have options:
UV protection and polarization often get lumped together, but they are not the same thing. One protects your eyes from harmful rays. The other helps you see more clearly in bright conditions. Here is how to tell them apart and why you might want both.
Polarized lenses are designed to reduce glare. They have a special filter that blocks horizontal light waves, like the bright reflections you see bouncing off water, roads, car hoods, or snow.
That makes them especially helpful for:
You will notice the difference most when looking at reflective surfaces. The glare disappears, and details become much easier to see.
This is where people get confused. Polarization is not the same as UV protection. You can have polarized sunglasses that do not block UV rays, and UV-blocking sunglasses that are not polarized.
Some sunglasses have both features, but you must check the label to be sure. If shopping for polarized lenses, still look for UV400 or 100% UVA/UVB protection on the tag.
Polarized lenses are a great upgrade if you spend a lot of time outdoors. They reduce eye strain, help you see clearly, and cut through blinding glare that regular sunglasses cannot handle.
The best sunglasses do more than just block UV rays. Some come with added features that boost comfort, improve vision, and give you even more protection outdoors. Here are a few worth considering.
Photochromic lenses (sometimes called “transition lenses”) automatically darken when exposed to UV light. They stay clear indoors and adjust based on how bright it is outside. That means you get sun protection without switching between regular glasses and sunglasses.
These lenses are a great option if you wear prescription glasses and want all-in-one eye protection, especially for everyday use.
Mirror coatings reflect extra light off the front of the lens. This helps cut down on glare in very bright environments, like on the water or in the snow.
Anti-reflective (AR) coatings are usually applied to the back of the lens. They stop sunlight from bouncing into your eyes from behind, like when the sun is behind you but still reflecting off your lenses.
Both features add comfort, reduce eye strain, and make it easier to see clearly in tough lighting.
Standard sunglasses leave the sides of your eyes exposed. Wraparound styles curve around your face, giving you better coverage from every angle. This helps block sunlight and harmful UV rays from slipping in around the edges.
They are especially useful for outdoor sports, boating, hiking, and long days in the sun.
Your eyes deserve real protection – whether driving to work, heading out on the water, or walking in the winter sun.
At Heart of Texas Eye Care, we are here to help you choose stylish and effective sunglasses. Stop by and explore sunglasses built to protect your vision season after season.