When it comes to eye care, you are advised to wear sunglasses to protect yourself from damaging UV rays. Today, most sunglasses are embedded with UV protection lenses. To be sure that your sunglasses have UV protection, you can take them to an optical shop for testing.
 

But how long can your favorite pair of sunglasses offer you much-needed protection? Studies show that sunglasses lose UV protection over time. This happens when the protective UV layers and the tint on the lenses start to fade. Most people are not aware of this fact and only stop using their sunglasses when they get loose or fall apart.


 

Why It Is Important to Use Sunglasses With UV Protection

Exposing your eyes to direct sunlight for long periods of time can cause eye-related health issues. The UV rays from the sun can lead to conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Think of your sunglasses as sunscreen. Wearing your sunglasses will do more than make you look cool.
 

According to the American Optometric Association, wearing your sunglasses during daylight hours does more than protect your eyes from UV rays. Sunglasses can also make it easy for your eyes to adapt to darkness. They also shield your eyes from wind, which can cause dry eyes.


 

How Often You Should Replace Your Sunglasses

The more you wear your sunglasses in the sun, the faster they lose their UV protection. So, how often you should replace them will depend on how frequently you use them. Sunglasses do not have a definitive expiration date, so it’s difficult to know when you need to replace them.
 

While there is no evidence to support this theory yet, experts believe that you should replace your sunglasses every two years if you use them two hours a day. Additionally, if you have dark glasses and you notice the lenses are getting lighter, it’s time to budget for a new pair of sunglasses.


 

What to Look Out for When Buying a New Pair of Sunglasses

Whether you choose to buy expensive designer sunglasses or pick one from a gas station, they all offer the same UV protection. What matters is that they should have a UV coating. Ensure you get ones labeled ‘UV400’ or ‘100% UV protection.’ Colored or darker lenses don’t necessarily block more sun rays.
 

However, you can still choose these according to your preference and style. Eye doctors recommend picking bigger sunglasses that can wrap around your eyes for better protection. Do not buy sunglasses with polarized lenses. They can only protect you from glare but not from UV light.


 

Don’t Forget About the Kids

Children need sunglasses too. Kids spend more time outdoors than adults. They are extremely sensitive to UV rays. That means they get exposed to sunlight more, and they also need protection.
 

If you have an eye condition or undergoing eye treatment, it is advisable to speak to your eye doctor about what type of sunglasses you should get. Exposure to sunlight can make an eye condition worse.

To know more about UV protection, visit Look! Optometry at our office in Manhattan Beach, California. You can also call us at (310) 796-5665 to book an appointment today.