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Sunglasses and UV: protecting your eyes in the Islamabad summer
Strong summer sun, glare from roads and dust are hard on the eyes. How to choose sunglasses that protect, for adults and children.
Most people think of sunglasses as a fashion item, but they also protect the eyes. Years of strong sunlight without protection are linked to cataract, growths on the surface of the eye such as pterygium, and damage to the eyelid skin. In Islamabad's long summers, with bright sun, dust and glare from roads, good sunglasses are worth having.
What to look for
- UV400 or 100% UV protection. This is the most important label. Dark lenses without UV protection can be worse than none, because they make the pupils open wider
- Size and fit. Larger lenses or wraparound frames block light coming in from the sides
- Polarised lenses cut glare from roads, cars and water, which makes driving more comfortable. They do not add UV protection on their own, so check the UV label as well
- Lens colour. Grey keeps colours natural; brown and amber increase contrast. Colour does not tell you about UV protection
Children
Children's eyes let more UV light through to the back of the eye than adults' eyes do, and they spend more time outdoors. Choose flexible, impact-resistant children's sunglasses with UV400 protection, and add a wide-brimmed hat.
Glasses wearers
If you wear glasses, you can have prescription sunglasses, or photochromic lenses that darken outdoors. Clip-on shades are another option.
Other ways to protect your eyes
- Wear a cap or hat with a brim
- Never look directly at the sun, including during an eclipse
- Use lubricating drops if dust and heat leave your eyes dry and gritty
- Wear safety glasses for DIY, gardening and work with tools
When to seek urgent care
Get same-day eye care for an eye injury, a chemical splash (rinse with clean water for 15 minutes first), sudden loss of vision, or a painful red eye.