What to look for in sunglasses

Go for UVA and UVB protection, and beware of false marketing promises.

It’s never to late to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. You don’t have to spend a bundle to get a good pair of sunglasses, but you do have to know what to look for in lenses. Most important: protection against ultraviolet rays, both UVA and UVB. You’ll want 95% to 100% blockage. You may also consider buying polarized lenses, which reduce the glare from water, sand, and snow.

But buyer beware: manufacturers aren’t required to disclose or guarantee UV protection. “You can’t be certain that an inexpensive pair of sunglasses from the drugstore will provide protection, even if it promises blockage on the label,” says Thomas Merrill, an optician at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. “You may consider going to an optical store where you can be guided to select a good-quality product.” That doesn’t mean you need a pair of prescription sunglasses, but you do need expert advice, especially if you have eye damage.

If you wear prescription eyeglasses and don’t want to buy prescription sunglasses, you can buy a product that fits over your glasses. “This gives you protection from the top and sides and it’s more comfortable for your eyes, especially if you’re on the water,” says Merrill. A pair runs about $50.

Harvard Health Letter