Dark sunglasses are more than a stylish accessory. They protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the retinas.

Sun protection for your eyes may not be the first thing you think about before you head outdoors, but it’s just as important as putting on sunscreen or wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Here’s why.

Every day, your eyes are exposed to UV rays. Over time, that long-term exposure can lead to serious eyes conditions.

When you wear sunglasses, you help protect your eyes from:

Cataracts that cloud and yellow the lens of the eye and cause progressive loss of vision. Cataracts are the most common cause of treatable blindness.

Macular degeneration causes vision loss in people over 60 years of age. Caused by damage from UV rays to the center of the retina, it affects the part of the eye that records what we see and sends it to your brain.

Corneal keratitis (sunburn) is painful burning of the cornea — the transparent clear surface that allows light and images to pass to the retina. It often affects skiers, hikers and others outdoor enthusiasts when intense sunlight reflects off snow, ice and water.

What type of sunglasses offer the best protection?

Don’t assume dark-color sunglasses offer good UV protection — or expensive sunglasses, either. Instead, pay attention to the things that matter. Choose sunglasses with:

• UV 400 rating or "100% UV protection" on the label. These sunglasses block more than 99% of UV radiation and provide the greatest level of protection against UV rays.
• Large frames that can provide more protection from UV rays because they completely cover the eyes.
• Polarized lenses that have UV protection.

Even if you wear UV-absorbing contact lenses, you still need to wear sunglasses that offer proper UV protection. The contacts alone do not offer enough UV protection for your eyes.

Protect your children’s eyes, too.

There are lots of bright and colorful kids’ sunglasses for sale at all kinds of places. Make sure you outfit your child with sunglasses that really block UV rays — not toy sunglasses that don’t offer any protection. Look for the UV and protection ratings listed above.

Yes, sunglasses are a classic part of summer fun. Make sure they are part of your summer safety uniform, like sunscreen and sunhats. Need more inspiration? Check our guide to a safe and fun summer.

Sources: Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses,  U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2024; The Sun & Your Eyes,  Skin Cancer Foundation, 2019