Your eyes work ceaselessly all year, helping you view the world around you. They need your protection, regardless of the season. When you come to Classic Vision Care, Dr. Mital Patel, OD, and Dr. Sela Hothersall, OD, our optometrists, can help you see the value of sunglasses and regular check-ups at our offices in Kennesaw and East Cobb / Marietta, Georgia.
Why sunglasses are so crucial
Throughout the year, sunglasses shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, sunglasses should block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays (look for a UV400 label) for the best results.
It may even make our eyes sunburnt. In addition, too much sun exposure may lead to such serious eye conditions as:
- Cataracts. When proteins clump together, they make your lens, and vision, cloudy.
- Pterygia. Bumps appear on the whites of your eyes, invading your cornea.
- Macular degeneration. This causes blurred central vision, and long-term UV exposure may add to the risk later in life.
Your best insurance against these and other vision problems includes wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection whenever you go outside during the day.
Avoid snow blindness
During the winter, snow causes vision problems such as photokeratitis (snow blindness). Skiers and others spending time in the snow decrease their chances of snow blindness by wearing the proper sunglasses.
The only organ in our body that allows light to enter deeply, our eyes need protection from potentially damaging rays. The American Academy of Ophthalmology lists cancers of the eye and eyelid, and cataracts, among the reasons to wear UV-blocking sunglasses all year, and are therefore avoidable by taking the proper precautions. This includes regularly wearing sunglasses, even on cloudy days, when UV rays still shine through.
Polarized versus non-polarized lenses
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare, but polarization on its own is not UV protection, so check the UV label too. They also make it difficult to read certain screens, such as GPS. Photochromic lenses that darken in the sun work well. However, most do not darken much behind a car windshield, which already blocks the UV that triggers them. We fit you for the proper type of glasses for every occasion.
A few ounces of prevention
Dr. Patel and our team advise you about which sunglasses best fit your lifestyle. Those spending more time outdoors may benefit from glasses that wrap around or offer side protection. All sunglasses should provide a large frame to block the most sunlight. Nearly every part of your eye, and skin, for that matter, is affected by UV light. From cataracts and macular degeneration to cancer of the eyeball and eyelid, UV rays damage your vision. Sunglasses remain one of the coolest ways to protect your eyes 365 days of the year.
Let us help you see the world clearly
We’ll show you different shapes and styles to match your features and lifestyle. If you’d like to get fitted for the proper sunglasses or simply wish to schedule a routine exam, contact our talented team at Classic Vision Care. Call us or book an appointment online today.
What has changed about sunglasses and UV protection since this was written?
Sunglasses still do one main job: block ultraviolet (UV) light before it reaches your eyes. The guidance on what to buy has become clearer. Here is the current advice we give in our Kennesaw and East Cobb optical showrooms.
Look for 100 percent UV protection, not 99. Current guidance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology is a label that promises 100 percent UV protection, or UV400 [1]. The American Optometric Association sets the same bar: block 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B [2]. Anything less is a compromise your eyes do not need.
Dark lenses are not the same as UV protection. A darker tint does not mean more protection, and a higher price does not either [1]. Polarized lenses cut glare off roads and water, but polarization itself does not block UV [1]. Check the UV label first, then choose tint and polarization for comfort.
Georgia sun bounces. Clouds do not block UV, and UV is stronger when it reflects off water, ice, sand, or snow [3]. Lake Allatoona, pool decks, and ball fields all add reflected UV. Wraparound frames help by stopping UV from entering along the sides [1]. A wide-brim hat with your sunglasses adds another layer [2].
Kids need sunglasses too. Children and teens usually spend more time in the sun than adults [2]. Protect them with hats and sunglasses, because UV damage adds up over a lifetime [3]. Our children's eye exams are a good time to ask about kids' sunglasses. Outdoor time is part of how we talk about myopia control for kids. Just add the UV protection.
UV exposure happens all year. Sunglasses are essential eyewear in every season, not only summer [1]. Over time, UV exposure raises the risk of cataracts, surface growths such as pterygium, eye cancers, and possibly macular degeneration later in life [2]. Cataracts and eye cancers can take years to develop, so protection now pays off later [3]. A yearly comprehensive eye exam is where we watch for these changes.
Two showrooms, free adjustments. Both our Kennesaw and East Cobb offices have an optical showroom with prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, including polarized and photochromic lens options. Your opticians can put your exact prescription in sunglass form. Bring in sunglasses you already own and we will check the fit. Adjustments and repairs are free, even for frames bought elsewhere. If your sunglasses slide, pinch, or sit crooked, stop by either office.
Related reading: optical showroom, children's eye exams, myopia control for kids.
Sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Sunglasses: Protect Your Eyes" (published July 20, 2026)
- American Optometric Association, "UV Protection."
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, "The Sun, UV Light and Your Eyes" (published July 20, 2026)
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