Protect your eyes
Wear close fitting sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate surrounding skin.
When should you wear sunglasses?
Your eyes and the sensitive skin around them can be damaged by too much exposure to UV radiation.
When you are outside in bright sunlight, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.
Sunglasses should be worn to reduce glare when you're driving, or if you're around reflective surfaces like snow and water.
For the best eye protection, combine a hat and sunglasses.
What to look for when buying sunglasses
- Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to offer good sun protection. Lots of cheaper sunglasses offer good UV protection.
- Look for high UV protection. Sunglasses should block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
- The Cancer Society recommends wearing wraparound styles that meet the Australian/New Zealand standard.
- Choose frames that are comfortable and close fitting.
- If you wear prescription sunglasses, ask your optometrist what level of UV protection your sunglasses provide.
- Polarized lenses cut out reflective glare, which is helpful if you're near water or skiing. They can make activities like driving or boating more enjoyable, but they don't necessarily offer better UV protection.
- Lens colour can improve contrast when playing sports like golf but doesn't improve UV protection.
What about Children?
Children are particularly sensitive to UV radiation and eye damage. Very young children should be kept out of the sun as much as possible.
Older children should wear sunglasses that meet the Australian/New Zealand standard.
Avoid sunglasses labelled as toys, these won't offer UV protection.
