--- title: "Sun and eye protection | Eye Health Guide" description: "How UV light affects the eyes, how to choose sunglasses, and WHO-aligned habits to prevent UV-related eye disease. Clinically reviewed." url: https://eyehealthguide.org/eye-care/sun-and-eye-protection/ source: Eye Health Guide licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer." --- Eye care guide # Sun and eye protection Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026 ### About this review This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded. [How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/) Quick answer Ultraviolet light from the sun can contribute to cataracts, pterygium and some cancers on the eyelid over a lifetime. WHO recommends protecting eyes from UV as part of blindness prevention. Wear a brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV, including for children. Never look directly at the sun, including during eclipses without proper filters. ### On this page ⌄ 1. Why UV matters for eyes 2. Choosing sunglasses 3. Everyday habits 4. WHO blindness prevention angle 5. Frequently asked questions ## Why UV matters for eyes The eye's lens and surface tissues absorb UV over decades. High lifetime exposure is linked to cataract formation, growths on the white of the eye such as pterygium, and skin cancers on the eyelids. UV also contributes to photokeratitis — sunburn of the cornea — from bright snow or water reflection. ## Choosing sunglasses Look for lenses that block UV or carry a UV 400 label. Dark tint alone does not guarantee protection. - UV 400 or 100% UV protection labels - Wraparound or large frames that reduce side light - Polarised lenses for comfort on water or snow — still check UV protection - Children need real UV-blocking sunglasses, not toy shades ## Everyday habits Peak UV is often mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Hats with a brim add valuable shade. Cloudy days still allow significant UV. Protect eyes during outdoor work, winter sports and holidays at altitude or near water. ## WHO blindness prevention angle Globally, cataract is the leading cause of avoidable blindness. While surgery treats cataracts effectively, reducing UV exposure across life is a low-cost prevention habit recommended in public health guidance alongside smoking avoidance and regular eye checks. ## Frequently asked questions ### Are cheap sunglasses safe? They can be, if they genuinely block UV. Very dark lenses without UV filtering may let pupils dilate and allow more UV in, so check the label. ### Do contact lenses replace sunglasses? Some lenses offer UV filtering but they do not cover the whole eye or eyelids. Sunglasses and hats remain important. ### Can the sun damage eyes on cloudy days? Yes. Clouds reduce brightness but much UV still passes through. Habitual protection matters year-round in sunny climates. Your next step ## Take this to your appointment Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment. Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet. ## Trusted sources For general background, these organisations provide eye-health information. This list is further reading, not a record that they reviewed this article. - [NHS — Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/) - [Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/) - [American Academy of Ophthalmology — EyeHealth](https://www.aao.org/eye-health) - [National Eye Institute (NIH)](https://www.nei.nih.gov/) - [College of Optometrists — Look After Your Eyes](https://lookafteryoureyes.org/) - [World Health Organization — Eye care, vision impairment and blindness](https://www.who.int/health-topics/blindness-and-vision-loss)