Risks of Wearing Sunglasses Without Ultraviolet Protection Filters

Dr. Sino Gouziev, a specialist in ophthalmology and eye surgery, highlighted that many people purchase sunglasses during the summer without paying attention to whether they include ultraviolet (UV) protection.

He cautioned that choosing unsuitable sunglasses could lead to severe eye damage and explained how to select glasses that effectively shield against UV rays.

Dr. Gouziev noted that the effects of UV radiation accumulate gradually without immediate symptoms, emphasizing that children are especially vulnerable. He stated that approximately 80 percent of a person's lifetime UV exposure occurs before the age of 18, due to the transparency of the eye lens and the dilation of the pupil during childhood, making early visual protection essential.

In the short term, he identified risks such as retinal burns caused by direct sunlight exposure without protection and photokeratitis, which manifests several hours after exposure. This condition is particularly prevalent in high-reflectivity environments like mountainous or snowy areas and is accompanied by severe pain, tearing, a sensation of sand in the eye, light sensitivity, dryness, and redness.

Regarding long-term risks, Dr. Gouziev mentioned cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, growth of tissue on the corneal surface, and an increased risk of eye and surrounding tissue cancers.

He stressed the importance of selecting sunglasses that bear clear certification marks such as UV400, 100 percent UV protection, or the CE mark. He warned that the absence of these labels could make sunglasses more harmful than not wearing any, as dark lenses might cause pupil dilation, allowing more harmful rays to enter the eye.

Dr. Gouziev added that filter choice should correspond to the environment: category 2 filters are recommended for urban areas, category 3 for beaches, driving, and outdoor activities, while category 4 is intended for high mountain regions but is not advised for driving.

He also pointed out that polarized lenses reduce glare and eye strain but do not provide UV protection, making UV filters an indispensable feature.

Finally, he emphasized the importance of purchasing sunglasses exclusively from specialized optical stores to ensure lens quality, verify specifications, and obtain reliable guarantees.