This is why everyone—even kids—needs protective sunglasses

Choosing sunglasses that feel comfortable and protect your eyes can be done without spending a ton.

A pair of $12 drug-store sunglasses can provide just as much sun protection as a $200 pair.

Be sure, though, that the sunglasses you choose give you 100% protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Buy from trustworthy stores

While you can trust UV protection labels at most reputable retail outlets, be careful about online ordering and sidewalk vendors. And if you have any doubts, bring your sunglasses to an optometry office to have them tested.

What to look for in a UV label?

The UV label may say “400nm” or “100% UV protection.” Both mean that they provide 100% UV absorption.

Why is UV protection so important for your eyes?

Exposure to UV rays over time can cause a range of conditions. This includes cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can blur vision, and “snow blindness,” a painful, temporary loss of vision. It can also speed up macular degeneration as you age, resulting in irreversible vision loss.

But the more immediate threat from UV rays is skin cancer—and sunglasses help protect some of the most vulnerable areas on your face.

While most contact lenses guard against UV rays, they’re no help in protecting the skin around the eyes.

The skin of your eyelids—both upper and lower—is extremely thin compared to the rest of your body, raising the risk of skin damage and cancer.

The bigger the lens the better

A couple notes on sunglass style:

• The larger the lens, the more protection it gives the sensitive skin around your eyes.
• You might also think that a darker lens provides more protection—but it actually makes no difference. In fact, darker lenses cause your pupils to dilate, which makes the eyes more vulnerable to damage from UV rays.
• As for polarized lenses, they help deflect glare. While that’s useful when you’re in the water or on snow, but polarized versions are no more protective against UV rays than regular glasses.

Start safe sun habits early

Sunglasses can give you essential protection at any age. If you’re a parent, there are some simple ways to help your kids build healthy habits early.

Try to get them in the habit of wearing sunglasses and wide-brim hats at a young age since they tend to be outside more than adults.

If your kids play sports, try to have them wear either safety glasses with UV protection or regular sunglasses during games and practices. You may consider adding a band that goes around the head to help keep the glasses in place.