Pick the right sunglasses by following these helpful tips:
Make it 100%! Make sure lenses block 100 percent of UV rays to maximally protect your eyes.
Bigger IS better! Consider buying oversized glasses or wraparound-styles because the more coverage, the less sun damage is inflicted.
Darker lenses don’t protect better. Dark lenses look cool but they do not necessarily block more UV rays.
Color doesn’t matter. Lens color does not block UV rays but can increase contrast, which may be useful for athletes in sports such as baseball or golf.
Polarized lenses cut glare, not UV. Polarization reduces glare coming off reflective surfaces like water or pavement. While not offering sun protection, they may make activities like driving or being on the water safer or more enjoyable.
Cost shouldn’t be a factor. Sunglasses don’t have to cost a lot of money to work well. Sunglass prices are due to style and lens optics, not better UV protection.
Dr. Carlin is a highly experienced, board-certified ophthalmologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology with more than five decades of experience in vision care and surgical innovation. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, he completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Michigan before serving in the United States Navy in Key West, Florida. In 1977, he founded CarlinVision and has since built a longstanding reputation for excellence in LASIK, cataract surgery, refractive procedures, and cosmetic eyelid surgery. Throughout his career, Dr. Carlin has completed more than 11,000 procedures and remains at the forefront of advanced laser and refractive technologies. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and an active member of multiple leading professional organizations, reflecting his enduring commitment to clinical excellence and patient care.