Bengaluru’s high altitude and bright sun mean significant UV exposure year-round, even on cloudy days. Good sunglasses are an easy way to protect your eyes.
Why UV protection matters
- Cataract develops earlier with long-term UV exposure
- Pterygium, the fleshy growth on the eye, is linked to sun and dust
- The eyelid skin is prone to sun damage
How to choose
- Look for UV400 or 100% UV protection. Darkness alone does not mean protection.
- Wraparound styles block light from the sides
- Polarised lenses cut glare from roads and water, which is useful for driving, but polarisation is not the same as UV protection
- Larger frames protect more of the eyelids
Watch out for
- Cheap dark glasses without UV protection, which let your pupils widen and admit more UV
- Scratched or distorted lenses, which can cause headaches
Children
Children spend more time outdoors, so sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat are worthwhile. Outdoor play remains very good for their eyes.
Frequently asked questions
Do clear glasses block UV?
Many modern spectacle lenses block UV even when clear. Ask your optician to confirm.
Do I need sunglasses on cloudy days?
UV passes through clouds, so protection is useful whenever you spend long periods outdoors.
Sources
This article is for general information and does not replace an examination by an eye doctor. If you have symptoms, please book a consultation.