Whether at home or on vacation: the right UV protection is important not only for the skin, but also for our eyes. Because the sun can be dangerous. Experts therefore recommend sunglasses and reveal how to recognize good models with UV protection.
Not a cloud in the sky, it’s hot: For most people it’s a given that we put sunscreen on ourselves. After all, no one wants to risk skin damage. But the intense sun rays in summer can also be dangerous for the eyes. The Eye Foundation points this out. UV radiation can lead to diseases such as pterygium or conjunctival melanoma and cataracts.
Sunglasses: How to recognize models with UV protection
However, damage can be avoided by also protecting your eyes from the sun. Especially when the UV index rises above 3 – a value that is often reached in the morning. And: “The further south you travel, the higher the UV index generally rises,” explained Professor Dr. med. Gerd Geerling, director of the Düsseldorf University Eye Clinic and media spokesman for the Eye Foundation, told the German Press Agency (dpa) in 2024.
Wearing sunglasses with a CE mark is recommended. This shows that the sunglasses offer sufficient UV protection according to EU standards. Ideally, the glasses should also shield the eyes from above and from the sides.
In 2025, optician Irk Halter advised SWR to pay attention to the UV400 stamp. This shows that the glasses provide UV protection in the ultraviolet range. The term “100 percent UV protection” is also sometimes used.
Adequate sun protection doesn’t have to cost a lot. In a test by Marktcheck, a model for 1.50 euros also met the specified UV protection requirements. Here, however, the protection often only consists of a thin coating. “Coated lenses, in which the UV protection is vapor-deposited onto the surface, are not as durable. They are not as resistant to scratches, environmental situations, heat, etc.,” says the optician. Glasses with included UV protection are more stable and of higher quality.
Protection is particularly important in the mountains and by the sea
Particular caution is required in holiday regions such as the sea or the mountains. The sun is strongly reflected there and the UV intensity increases due to the altitude. Especially in the mountains, UV radiation can increase by 15 to 20 percent for every 1,000 meters of altitude.
“Regardless of fashion trends, you should also choose models with larger surfaces that effectively shield the eyes from the top and sides,” advised Professor Dr. med. Frank Holz 2024 to the dpa. He is director of the Bonn University Eye Clinic and chairman of the Eye Foundation. Large sunglasses are particularly important in the typical holiday resorts by the sea and in the mountains, where a lot of sunlight is reflected from the surroundings.
Recognizing good sunglasses – further buying tips
Tips for buying sunglasses: When buying sunglasses, you should not only consider UV protection and fit, but also breaking resistance and optical quality, especially if you do sports. According to the foundation, models that show the surface in high contrast and do not splinter in the event of a fall are to be preferred here.
And: Especially in the sun-intensive midday hours, it is recommended to stay in the shade or in closed rooms if possible in order to avoid the intense solar radiation.
** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources of supply are partly partner links: If you buy here, you are actively supporting Techzle\.com, because we then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.