Asst. Prof. Naz Esin Başkan Özdemir from the Opticianry Program of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) evaluated the topic of sunglasses selection on the occasion of June 27 World Sunglasses Day.
The sun's harmful rays threaten eye health
Stating that sunglasses use increases with the approaching summer months, Asst. Prof. Naz Esin Başkan Özdemir said, “However, many people see sunglasses only as a fashion accessory. Yet, sunglasses are an important health tool that protects the eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays from the sun affect not only our skin but also our eyes. Long-term unprotected exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of developing serious health problems such as cataracts, corneal damage, ocular surface diseases, and macular degeneration. For this reason, using sunglasses is not an aesthetic choice, but a necessity for protecting eye health.”
What to consider when buying sunglasses?
Explaining what to consider when buying sunglasses, Dr. Özdemir said, “The first and most important feature consumers should pay attention to is that the glasses have UV protection. The dark color of the lens alone does not mean it provides protection. What matters is not how dark a pair of sunglasses is, but the extent to which it blocks UV rays. Therefore, the product to be purchased must have UV400 protection. The UV400 designation indicates that the glasses can block most UVA and UVB rays up to 400 nanometers. Furthermore, it is important that the product has a CE mark and complies with the EN ISO 12312-1 standard applicable to sunglasses. This standard determines the safety and performance criteria for sunglasses.”
Dark lenses do not always provide more protection
Asst. Prof. Naz Esin Başkan Özdemir stated that one of the most common misconceptions in society is thinking that dark lenses protect the eyes better, and continued:
“However, dark lenses without a UV filter can sometimes be more harmful than not wearing glasses at all. Due to the dark lens, the pupil dilates, and more light enters the eye. If the lens does not have adequate UV protection, the person may be exposed to more harmful rays while thinking they are protecting their eyes. Therefore, when choosing sunglasses, one should focus on the UV protection feature, not just the darkness of the lens color.”
Using the same sunglasses in every season is not correct
Dr. Özdemir stated that seasonal conditions should also be taken into account when choosing sunglasses, and said that lenses are classified from category 0 to category 4 according to their light transmission: “Category 0 and 1 lenses are used in low light conditions, while category 2 is suitable for moderate light conditions, and category 3 lenses are the most appropriate options for daily use in intense sunlight. Category 4 lenses are designed for high mountainous regions, areas with intense snow reflections, and environments exposed to very strong sunlight.”
Different lens categories may be needed in different geographical regions
Asst. Prof. Naz Esin Başkan Özdemir stated that category 2 and category 3 lenses are most commonly preferred for daily use, and continued:
“In sunglasses lens categories, lens darkness increases from category 0 to category 4, and the most common choices for daily use are category 2 and category 3 lenses. Driving with Category 4 lenses is not recommended. Therefore, it is not always the correct choice for sunglasses used in Istanbul in March to have the same lens category as those used in July. Using a single pair of sunglasses for all four seasons may often not provide sufficient visual comfort and protection. Furthermore, using excessively dark lenses during periods of less sunlight can negatively affect visual performance by reducing the amount of light reaching the eye. Similarly, different lens categories may be needed in different geographical regions during the same season. For example, in cities with different climatic characteristics such as Istanbul and Trabzon in July, the lens categories that provide optimum visual comfort and protection may differ. In short, just as it is not possible to go through four seasons with a single pair of shoes, it is not possible to provide the same visual comfort and protection in every season with a single pair of sunglasses.”
Category 4 lenses should not be used when driving
Dr. Özdemir stated that category 4 lenses can block approximately 95 percent of visible light and added, “Since category 4 lenses can block approximately 95% of visible light, they should not be preferred while driving. These lenses can negatively affect the driver's vision and pose a risk to traffic safety.”
Large-framed glasses can provide more effective protection
Asst. Prof. Naz Esin Başkan Özdemir stated that not only lens quality but also frame structure is important in sunglasses selection: “The glasses should be suitable for the face structure, sit comfortably on the nose, and cover the area around the eyes as much as possible. Large-framed glasses reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the eyes from above, below, and the sides. Especially glasses with a curved design can provide additional protection against rays coming from the sides. Therefore, when choosing sunglasses, attention should be paid not only to their appearance but also to the extent to which they protect the area around the eyes.”
Sunglasses should be purchased from reliable sales points
Reminding that sunglasses can be sold at many different points today, from supermarkets to internet sites, Dr. Özdemir said, “Sunglasses are not considered medical devices today, but are in the category of protective products. Therefore, they can be sold in supermarkets, gas stations, textile stores, internet sites, and even at mobile sales points. However, it is not correct to purchase a product that directly affects eye health based solely on its appearance or price. Opticianry establishments are regularly inspected by Provincial Health Directorates and relevant public institutions. In contrast, it is not possible to verify the UV protection features of sunglasses sold at different sales points. Therefore, it is of great importance for consumers to prefer reliable sales points when purchasing sunglasses and to inquire about the technical specifications of the product.”
Low-quality sunglasses can lead to serious health problems
Dr. Özdemir drew attention to the significant risks of long-term use of sunglasses without adequate UV protection: “Long-term use of sunglasses without adequate UV protection can lead to an increased risk of cataract development, corneal damage, irritation and sensitivity on the eye surface, damage to the macular region, and deterioration in visual quality. Children, individuals working outdoors, and people exposed to the sun for long periods are among the at-risk groups.”
Children's eyes should be protected more
Emphasizing that children's eye structures are more sensitive to UV rays than adults, Dr. Özdemir said, “Due to the more permeable lens of children's eyes, harmful UV rays can reach deeper structures of the eye. Therefore, the use of sunglasses in children should not be neglected. UV400 protection, CE mark, use of shatter-resistant material, and suitability for the face structure must be considered when choosing sunglasses for children.”
Sunglasses are much more than a fashion item
Asst. Prof. Naz Esin Başkan Özdemir noted that sunglasses are much more than a fashion item, serving as an important aid in protecting eye health, and concluded by saying, “Consumers should choose not only based on price, brand, or appearance, but also on UV protection, compliance with standards, and the reliability of the sales point from which they are purchased. It should be remembered that a correctly chosen pair of sunglasses not only provides a more comfortable vision but also makes a significant contribution to protecting eye health.”
