Will your sunglasses protect you from serious eye disease?

With summer in full swing, the days are longer, the temperature is higher and the threat from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays is greater. The UCLA Stein Eye and Doheny Eye Institutes(Link is external) (Link opens in new window) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology(Link is external) (Link opens in new window) warn that excess sun exposure can put you at risk of serious short-term and long-term eye problems. This is true for young and old, year-round. Prevention is simple. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation. But how do you know if your sunglasses are up to the task of protecting your family’s sight?

To bring attention to this important eye health matter, ophthalmologists — physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care — are sharing information on how to keep eyes safe from sun damage.

When shopping for sunglasses, look for a tag or label that says 100 percent protection against both UVA and UVB or 100 percent protection against UV 400. UV protection is the essential piece you need to look for in a pair of sunglasses. Darkness and color do not indicate the strength of UV protection, and neither does the price tag. Even the least expensive sunglasses can offer adequate protection.

If you doubt your sunglasses have the UV protection claimed by a retail tag, take them to an optical shop. Any shop that has a UV light meter can test your sunglasses. A UV light meter is a handy test if you are unsure about the UV protection claimed by a retail tag or if your sunglasses are simply old and you want to make sure you are receiving the correct UV protection.

There is no doubt about the consequences of not protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. If eyes are exposed to strong sunlight for too long without proper protection, UV rays can damage the cornea and retina, and may cause temporary blindness in a matter of hours.

Long-term sun exposure is linked to more serious eye disease, such as cataracts(Link opens in new window), eye cancer and growths(Link opens in new window) on or near the eye. A lifetime of exposure may also increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration(Link opens in new window), the leading cause of blindness in the United States.

In addition to shades, consider wearing a hat with a broad brim. They have been shown to significantly cut exposure to harmful rays. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen!

Find an ophthalmologist or more information on how to protect your eyes from the sun year-round at uclahealth.org/eye(Link opens in new window).