Why sunglasses are more than a fashion accessory

Sunglasses make an excellent fashion statement, and many Aussies don’t feel dressed without them. We put a lot of time, effort and money into choosing our latest pair, and are often guilty of focusing on the style rather than the UV-blocking capabilities. Because, yes, that’s what they’re actually for.

“As an optical professional, I know the importance of finding sunglasses with both aesthetic appeal and sun safety built in,” says Karen Makin, head of clinical at Bupa Optical. “But, far too often, people will only focus on the former.”

Choosing the right sunglasses will prevent long-term eye damage and save you from the headaches and fatigue that come from squinting and eyestrain. Here’s what to look out for the next time you’re browsing for a new pair of shades.

In Australia, about 6 in 10 people wear sunglasses during peak UV exposure times.¹

Research conducted by Optometry Australia reveals that more than a third (36%) of us don’t own a pair of protective UV sunglasses, and 30% don’t believe wearing sunglasses is necessary.² But it is.

“In Australia, owning a good pair of sunglasses is an absolute necessity,” says Makin. “This is because we have one of the highest ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in the world, with a skin cancer rate to match.”

When you think of sun safety, you’ll probably recall the Slip, slop, slap public service campaign that launched in the 1980s. But in recent years, the Cancer Council has added ‘seek’ and ‘slide’ into the mix. Slide means putting on a pair of sunnies, because while looking after your skin is crucial sun-smart behaviour, so is looking after your eyes.

Exposure to high UV radiation is dangerous to your eyes in a variety of ways, and the lighter your eye colour, the more careful you need to be.³ Excessive exposure to sunlight can:

• Damage your retina, the tissue at the back of your eye, or your macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp, detailed and colourful vision.
• Lead to the development of cataracts, which occur when your eye’s lens becomes opaque and cloudy.
• Lead to solar keratopathy, which affects the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea).
• Result in pterygium, a growth on the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye, a common condition in Australia.

“Wearing sunglasses that block out UV rays can help prevent these issues and keep your eyes healthy,” says Karen. “What’s more, wearing sunglasses can also help to reduce glare from the sun and minimise the strain on your eyes, which will prevent sun-related headaches and migraines.”

Did you know, eyelid skin cancers account for 5-10 per cent of all skin cancers? A good pair of UV-blocking sunnies will help to prevent that.

When it comes to finding a pair of sunglasses that can protect your eyes, the first and most important thing to ensure is that they conform to Australian Standards and block out UV.

According to Cancer Council, you should check the label to ensure that the glasses have a ‘lens category’ of 2, 3 or 4. This means that they will be able to absorb 95% of the UV radiation that passes through them.

Tip: Sunglasses with a lens category of 4 are classed as ‘special-purpose’ and have very dark lenses for high-glare environments. They should not be worn while driving. Alternatively, the glasses may be marked with an Eye Protection Factor (EPF) rating, in which case you’re looking for a 9 or 104.

“Unfortunately, some sunglasses retailers don’t always conform to these standards, as a lot of sunglasses are produced for fashion over safety,” says Makin. “So, it’s important to always check the label.”

Prescription sunglasses are sometimes considered a bit of a luxury, but are super practical if you’re outside a lot, driving during the day or reading by the pool on holiday. But they don’t always come with UV protection and anti-reflective coatings as standard, so discuss this option with your optometrist the next time you’re having a new pair made up.

“Once you’ve found the right pair of sunglasses, remember to wear them when UV levels reach 3 or higher,” says Makin. “Remember, it’s nice to look nice, but it’s even nicer to protect your health. When it comes to finding the right pair of sunnies, you can do both.”

Check out the SunSmart fact sheet for more information on sun protection for your eyes.

Monitor the UV levels in your area with Cancer Council’s SunSmart Global UV app.