If you have a favorite pair of sunglasses, you might have been using them for years. Do sunglasses that have been used for a long time still protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays?
Research has not directly answered whether UV protection deteriorates over time. The only definitive way is to test your sunglasses.
Sunglasses with recommended protection will filter out all UV rays. UV rays can damage the eye’s surface tissues, cornea, and lens. Over time, UV damage increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases, which can reduce vision.
A 2016 study from the University of São Paulo in Brazil examined whether the UV protection of sunglasses was adequately tested. Dr. Jeff Pettey, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Moran Center at the University of Utah and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said, “This is different from testing whether the UV protection in sunglasses fades over time.”
Researchers found that the testing by Brazilian manufacturers might underestimate the amount of UV exposure that eyewear undergo over time. It is unclear what these findings mean for U.S. sunglasses testing, UV radiation exposure in Brazil is higher than in the U.S.
While the study raises more questions than answers, Dr. Pettey says consumers should not panic or rush to replace their beloved shades. Currently, no one recommends retiring sunglasses based on usage time.
In recent years, UV-blocking technology has improved. Most modern sunglasses have UV protection embedded in the lenses rather than coated on the surface. If you are concerned about the age and safety of your sunglasses, you can get them tested at an eyewear store with a UV photometer.
If you are ready to buy a new pair of sunglasses, Dr. Pettey offers these tips for choosing the most protective ones:
Look for a label that says “100% protection against UVA and UVB” or “UV protection 400”.
Choose larger sunglasses frames that cover the eyes and surrounding skin.
sunglasses frames that wrap around the sides of the face provide maximum protection.
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