Sunglasses don’t just look good – they’re good for you too. Here’s how to choose the right pair

Protect your eyes from UV radiation with sunglasses - important for eye health and skin protection.

Many of us around the world are exposed to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

While we tend to focus on avoiding UV damage to our skin, it’s important to remember our eyes as well.

Not many people who spend time outside during peak UV exposure time wear sunglasses. But sunglasses are much more than a fashion statement. Here’s why they’re important for our eye health (and our skin) – and some tips on how to choose a pair that works.

UV radiation is a type of energy produced by sources like the sun. There are three types: UVA, UVB, UVC. UVA and UVB are responsible for the sun-related damage to our skin and eyes.

UV can be direct, scattered or reflected, bouncing off surfaces such as water, sand and snow. But unlike the other types of energy the sun makes (visible light and infrared radiation), we can’t see or feel UV radiation.

This is why we can’t rely on clear skies or hot temperatures to work out if UV levels are high. Instead, we use the UV Index, a scale from low (1–2) to extreme (11+).

Official guidelines recommend sun protection when the UV index is 3 or higher. This includes protecting our eyes.