Not all sunglasses protect your eyes: UV400 and CE mark essential

Dr. Naz Esin Başkan Özdemir, a faculty member from the Opticianry Program at Üsküdar University's Vocational School of Health Services, evaluated the importance of choosing the right sunglasses on the occasion of World Sunglasses Day on June 27. Dr. Özdemir stated that many people see sunglasses only as a fashion accessory, but their primary function is to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. She emphasized that prolonged unprotected exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of serious eye conditions such as cataracts, corneal damage, and macular degeneration.

When buying sunglasses, the most important feature is UV protection, Dr. Özdemir said, noting that dark lenses alone do not guarantee protection. She explained that the UV400 label indicates the lenses block up to 400 nanometers of UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, products should bear the CE mark and comply with the EN ISO 12312-1 standard, which sets safety and performance criteria for sunglasses.

A common misconception is that darker lenses provide better protection, Dr. Özdemir pointed out. In fact, dark lenses without UV filters can be more harmful than wearing no sunglasses at all, as they cause the pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful rays to enter the eyes. Therefore, consumers should focus on UV protection rather than lens darkness.

Seasonal conditions should also be considered when selecting sunglasses, Dr. Özdemir said. Lenses are categorized from 0 to 4 based on light transmission. Categories 2 and 3 are suitable for daily use, while category 4 is designed for extreme conditions like high mountains and should not be used for driving. She noted that different geographical regions may require different lens categories even in the same season.

Dr. Özdemir concluded that a single pair of sunglasses cannot provide adequate protection and visual comfort throughout all seasons. Large frames and wraparound designs offer better coverage against peripheral light. She also warned that sunglasses are not classified as medical devices and can be sold in various outlets, so consumers should purchase from reliable sources to ensure proper UV protection.