What Can Sunglasses Really Do?

Only sunglasses with high-quality lenses can effectively protect our eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Low-quality lenses that rely mainly on a dark tint can actually be dangerous, because the darkness makes your pupils dilate—allowing even more UV radiation to enter the eye.

That’s why it’s important to look for quality markers in good lenses. Examples include 100% UVA and UVB protection, the “UV-400” marking, and the “CE” mark.

How much sunlight truly reaches the eye isn’t determined only by the sunglasses and the lens tint. A large portion of so-called stray light comes from above, below, or especially from the sides—passing the frame and entering the eye anyway. That’s why sports sunglasses in particular aim to protect the eye all around with an optimized frame shape. You can achieve this, for example, with larger lenses or an ergonomic, close-to-the-face fit with wider temples.

Of course, sunglasses are also a fashion accessory—and design plays a major role in the buying decision. Balancing design and function isn’t always easy.

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