Are Your Cheap Sunglasses Doing More Harm Than Good?

The first official day of summer is still a little over a week away, but here’s something to think about in the meantime: Are cheap sunglasses doing more harm than good?

The answer, according to eye doctors, is: Maybe.

The price tag doesn’t matter as much as the UV protection. The problem is that a lot of those bargain sunglasses darken your vision without blocking harmful ultraviolet light.

And that can actually be WORSE than wearing no sunglasses at all, because your pupils open wider behind the dark lenses and let in more UVs.

Doctors say the key is looking for labels that say “100% UV protection” or “UV400.” Polarized sunglasses can also reduce glare and eyestrain. And sunglasses that fit you well can reduce headaches and other discomfort.

So go ahead and buy inexpensive shades if you want, just make sure they’re actually protecting your eyes and not just making you look cool.