The importance of Sunglasses
Sunglasses are much more than a fashion accessory, they’re an essential part of maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. Whether you’re at the beach, driving, or just out for a walk, quality sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and help you see comfortably in bright conditions.
At Bright Eyes Optics in Mona Vale, we’re passionate about helping our community protect their eyes year-round, because good vision starts with good protection.
Let’s take a closer look at why sunglasses are so important and how to choose the right pair for you.
Sunglasses and Eye Health
Just as sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s rays, sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged UV exposure can cause both short-term discomfort and long-term damage to delicate eye tissues.
How UV rays affect your eyes
Long-term sun exposure has been linked to several common eye conditions, including:
Cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s natural lens that causes hazy or dull vision
Macular degeneration – Damage to the central retina that affects detailed vision
Pterygium (“surfer’s eye”) – A fleshy growth on the white of the eye caused by UV, wind, and dust exposure
Photokeratitis – Essentially a “sunburn” of the cornea, which can cause severe pain and temporary vision loss
Freckles on the eyes. Yes, they exist!
Just like your skin, your eyes can develop freckles from UV exposure. These small pigmented spots, known as conjunctival naevi or iris naevi, are usually harmless. However, in rare cases, they can change over time and become cancerous (melanoma).
That’s why it’s important to have your eyes checked regularly by your optometrist, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. During a comprehensive eye exam, we can photograph and monitor any freckles or pigmentation on your eyes to ensure they remain healthy and stable.
Protection makes all the difference
Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays significantly reduces your lifetime risk of UV-related eye diseases and protects the sensitive tissues around your eyes and eyelids, another common site for skin cancers.
Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV rays penetrate through clouds, so sunglasses should be part of your everyday routine, not just for summer.
Understanding UV Protection
Not all sunglasses are created equal. When shopping for your next pair, always look for a UV400 or 100% UV protection rating. This ensures the lenses block both UVA and UVB rays, which are the two types of ultraviolet light that can cause eye damage.
Dark lenses don’t necessarily mean better protection, it’s the UV filter that matters most. Quality sunglasses protect your eyes even if the lenses appear light in colour or tint.
Polarised vs. Non-Polarised Lenses
Both polarised and non-polarised lenses can block UV light, but they differ in how they handle glare.
Polarised lenses contain a special filter that cuts glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and sand. They make outdoor vision clearer, more comfortable, and reduce squinting, perfect for driving, boating, and coastal living.
Non-polarised lenses still provide UV protection but don’t reduce glare as effectively. They’re suitable for everyday use or when glare isn’t a major concern.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, polarised lenses are an excellent choice for both comfort and safety.
Sunglasses and Fashion
Of course, sunglasses do more than protect your eyes, they elevate your style. From timeless aviators and bold cat-eye shapes to minimalist modern frames, your sunglasses can make a statement while keeping your eyes safe.
At Bright Eyes Optics, we stock a handpicked range of designer and independent eyewear brands that combine quality craftsmanship, UV protection, and effortless style, so you never have to choose between looking good and seeing well.
Prescription Sunglasses
If you already wear glasses, don’t skip sun protection! Prescription sunglasses give you clear, comfortable vision outdoors while shielding your eyes from UV damage. They’re available in a variety of styles, tints, and lens options, including polarised and photochromic (light-adjusting) lenses.
Book now to discuss options available to you!
Protect Your Eyes Year-Round
Sunglasses are one of the simplest ways to care for your eyes and preserve your vision for life. Whether you need everyday protection, sport-specific eyewear, or a new designer look, our friendly team at Bright Eyes Optics can help you find your perfect pair.
Visit us in Mona Vale to explore our collection of high-quality sunglasses and protect your eyes in style, all year round.
