Picking The Wrong Pair Of Sunglasses Can Do More Harm Than Good

The summer sun can make for a lot of fun, but meteorologists and eye doctors agree - choosing the wrong pair of sunglasses can be hazardous to your health.

The sun can represent warmth, light and a chance for a tan, but it's no secret the bright star also poses potential dangers.

"Ultra-violet rays, people usually associate with getting a sunburn and skin cancer, but they can also damage your eyes, damage your cornea so that's the primary threat,"

That's where sunglasses come in. But if you pick the wrong pair, they can do more harm than good.


"Your pupils dilate to let in more light, and it's the same thing when you wear sunglasses. Your pupils dilate, they get bigger to let in more light, and if you don't have UV protection, ultra-violet protection on your sunglasses, you'll actually let more dangerous light into your eyes," Hall said.

Optometrists say smaller-sized sunglasses are not as protective against the sun’s rays because beams can still leak in through the top and bottom.

David Huntzberry, the owner and an optician at Longmeadow Eyecare said, "It can be uncomfortable as well as a little bit dangerous because you are allowing light in from the sides. It's not so much direct light but indirect light."

Huntzberry says polarized sunglasses are also easier on the eyes.

He added, "Glare being bright, unwanted, harsh, brilliant, reflective light. With that filter in the lens, it filters out reflective light and just allows more direct light in."

Meteorologist Ian Hall says UVA rays are commonly associated with wrinkles and aging, while UVB rays are known to cause sunburn and skin cancer.