Wearing Sunglasses Prevents Cataract Formation

The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the eyes. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz, an Eye Diseases Specialist at Anadolu Medical Center, states, “UV rays penetrate clouds, which means they can cause sun damage to the eyes even when the weather is not sunny. In cases of cataract, this can increase the severity of the cataract, and it can also raise the risk of cataract formation in individuals who do not have cataracts. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays is the best way to protect your eyes from the sun.” Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz also answered questions about sunglasses that are on people's minds...

Sunlight is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, and the risk of damage during this time is higher compared to other hours. Additionally, light-sensitive medications, high altitudes, and proximity to the equator also increase the risk of eye damage caused by UV rays. UV rays can especially lead to cataract formation. If cataract surgery has been performed, the amount of UV light that can reach the eye’s visual center may vary depending on the condition of the lens used, which can increase the risk of macular degeneration, commonly known as yellow spot disease. Furthermore, in cases of existing macular degeneration, this can exacerbate the current condition and worsen vision. Individuals with such issues should be particularly cautious.

Consult an Eye Doctor When Choosing Sunglasses

Some contact lenses also provide UV protection. However, since they do not cover the entire eye, they offer comfort but do not provide complete protection. Therefore, sunglasses are still necessary for full protection.

There are many types of lenses in glasses. For this reason, it is beneficial to consult an eye doctor when choosing sunglasses. Different lens tints can help you see better under specific conditions, and your eye doctor can assist you in selecting the most suitable lens colors for your needs.

Brown and Gray Lenses are More Popular Because They Don’t Distort Color Perception

The color of the glasses lens is a personal choice. The color does not matter for UV protection. However, brown and gray lenses are more popular because they do not distort color perception as much. For comfort and safety, it is advisable to choose both impact-resistant and scratch-resistant lenses for sunglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are generally the best choice for sunglasses because they are lightweight and much more impact-resistant than glass or other materials.

Focus on the UV Filter, Not the Lens Color

Darker sunglasses reduce the amount of visible light passing through compared to lighter lens colors, but they do not provide more protection against invisible UV rays. For adequate sun protection, you should look at how much UV your sunglasses filter, rather than just the lens color. Additionally, children are also at risk from sun exposure because UV damage accumulates throughout a person’s life. This means the more total sun exposure one has over a lifetime, the greater the damage will be.

Sports Glasses are Made from Special Materials

In general, sports glasses tend to be safer than regular sunglasses because they are made from special materials that have a low chance of shattering upon impact. These glasses can provide the benefits of both sunglasses and protective eyewear.

Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz illustrated some types of sunglasses lenses as follows:

• Polarized Lenses: Polarized sunglasses usually provide more comfort because they reduce glare from bright light reflecting off flat surfaces.
• Anti-Reflective Coating: Anti-reflective coating is applied to the back surface of the lenses. The back surface of the sunglasses lens reduces glare by blocking reflected light.
• Mirror Coated Lenses: These limit the amount of light entering your eyes and are highly reflective coatings applied to the front surface of sunglasses lenses to reduce the amount of light that enters. This makes them particularly useful for activities in very bright conditions, such as skiing on a sunny day.
• Gradient Lenses: These are tinted from top to bottom, making the top of the lens dark. These lenses are good for driving because they protect your eyes from sunlight coming from above and allow more light through the lower half of the lens, providing a brighter environment for reading.
• Photochromic Lenses: These adjust their darkness levels based on the amount of UV light they are exposed to. Photochromic lenses are almost colorless indoors and automatically darken when exposed to sunlight. They are referred to as light-adaptive lenses.
• Multifocal Sunglasses: If you are over 40 and experiencing problems with near vision, don’t worry—multifocal lenses can be made to accommodate distance, near, and intermediate vision.