Are sunglasses actually bad for your eyes? 7 myths, debunked

Have you ever heard the rumor that sunglasses are actually bad for your eyes? Or, that wearing them too much can disrupt your circadian rhythm by reducing your body’s normal melatonin production?

If so, you’re not alone. The only problem? These claims aren’t true.

Here, I’ll address these and five other misconceptions about sunglasses that you shouldn’t believe. 

Are sunglasses actually bad for your eyes?

No. Assuming they provide adequate UV protection, sunglasses are not harmful to your eyes.  

Can sunglasses ever cause eye problems?  

Again, assuming they are UV-rated to protect your eyes against harmful ultraviolet light, and not just cheap plastic lenses, wearing sunglasses will not harm your eyes.

That being said, children, professional athletes and anyone else engaged in regular, strenuous physical outdoor activity should wear sunglasses made with polycarbonate lenses, which are designed to withstand impact. 

Do eye doctors recommend that people wear sunglasses?  

Absolutely. From a UV protection standpoint, sunglasses are always a good idea — to prevent macular degeneration, cataracts, surface scar tissue, and dry eyes.  

Can wearing sunglasses disrupt your circadian rhythm?

The vast majority of the time, the answer is no. Not from the everyday, intermittent way that most people wear them.

It’s true that your circadian rhythm needs bright morning light to suppress melatonin production. But you only need about 30 minutes of light exposure to achieve that. 

Do sunglasses affect your body’s melatonin production?

No, sunglasses don’t affect your melatonin production.  

Is it bad to wear sunglasses indoors? 

Not necessarily. I treat a lot of elderly patients, and their eyes can be quite sensitive after cataract surgery. They often ask me if it’s OK to wear their sunglasses inside, just until their eyes readjust to the brightness of indoor lighting.

I tell them it’s fine, as long as they can see clearly and balance is not an issue. Eye diseases and inflammation can also cause that kind of light sensitivity. 

On the other hand, wearing sunglasses indoors all the time may predispose you to being more light sensitive when you’re outdoors. So, we recommend limiting the use of sunglasses indoors. 

Should you put away your sunglasses on overcast days?

No. Or, at least, not unless the clouds make it too dark to see with them on. UV rays can penetrate clouds, so your eyes are still being exposed to the sun’s harmful radiation, even on overcast days.

That’s why dermatologists tell people to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days at the pool, zoo or beach. The same logic goes for sunglasses; it’s safe and even important to wear them when it’s overcast.

Nimisha Patel, M.D., is a head and neck surgeon who specializes in ophthalmology at UT MD Anderson. 

Request an appointment at UT MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.