Sunglasses: Good or Bad for Our Eyes

Sunglasses are thought of as more of a fashion piece rather than protection for the eyes. But as our awareness of the harmful effects too much exposure to the sun's UVA and UVB rays broadens, many are purchasing sunglasses to protect their eyes.

However, there is a lot of controversy about whether sunglasses are good or bad for our eyes. So, should we wear them or not?

Sunglasses: good or bad for our eyes - arguments against sunglasses

If we step outside on a bright day without sunglasses on, we will squint our eyes to shield our eyes from the brightness. If, on the other hand, we step outside on the same day, wearing sunglasses, we will not squint our eyes, because the sunglasses block a lot of the light.

This is what some say is the problem. When wearing sunglasses our eyes are wide open. According to the article, Can Cheap Sunglasses be Bad for Your Eyes, "Dr. Wayne Bizer...says... when it's really bright out you squint and your pupils constrict to tiny dots-as small as half a millimeter in diameter... When you put on sunglasses, the effect is the same as being in darkened room, the pupil dilates to let in more light."

The problem, therefore, is not with sunglasses, but with cheap sunglasses. Many cheap sunglasses block light, but do not block the harmful UVB and UVA rays. If our pupils are dilated while wearing these sunglasses, our eyes are absorbing the harmful rays, and this can cause damage to the eyes.

Sunglasses: good or bad for our eyes - how to pick the right sunglasses

Whether or not sunglasses are good or bad for our eyes depends on the sunglasses. How can you know if a pair of sunglasses will block out the UVB and UVA rays that are bad for our eyes?

The article, Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Your Eyes, Says "Look for sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays and that also absorb most HEV rays."

Most sunglasses are labeled, indicating the amount of UV ray protection. If sunglasses do not show the amount of UV ray protection, it's probably better to avoid them.

Children's eyes are especially sensitive to UV rays, so make sure you check their sunglasses for 100 percent UV protection. Children's sunglasses may be cute, but they're not always good for their eyes.

Sunglasses: good or bad for your eyes - a final thing to keep in mind

It's common for people to wear sunglasses in the late spring and summer, but our eyes can be harmed by UV rays all year round. Purchase a good pair of sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection, and make sure you wear them year round.

Sources:

Tiffany Sharples, Can Cheap Sunglasses Be Bad For Your Eyes, Wellness.blogs.time. com

Gary Heiting, OD, Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Your Eyes, All About Vision