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.
There’s not a cloud in the sky and it’s hot: For most people, it’s a given that we put on sunscreen. After all, nobody wants to risk skin damage. But the intense rays of the sun 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 melanoma of the conjunctiva and cataracts.
Sunglasses: How to recognize models with UV protection
However, damage can be avoided by protecting the 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,” says Professor Dr. med. Gerd Geerling, Director of the University Eye Clinic in Düsseldorf and media spokesperson for the Eye Foundation.
It is recommended to wear sunglasses with a CE mark. This indicates 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 an interview with Zeit Online, ophthalmologist Philipp Steven also advises paying attention to the UV-400 symbol. If a pair of glasses has both symbols, you can assume that the lenses have been sufficiently tested and filter out most of the UV radiation. With one caveat: “Glasses at street stalls sometimes have these symbols on stickers too – but you shouldn’t trust them,” explains the expert. According to him, it’s better to buy sunglasses in sports shops or drugstores.
Protection especially 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. In the mountains in particular, UV radiation can increase by 15 to 20 percent per 1,000 meters of altitude.
“Regardless of fashion trends, you should also go for larger models that effectively shield the eyes from above and to the sides,” advises Professor Dr. Frank Holz. He is the director of the University Eye Clinic in Bonn and chairman of the Eye Foundation. This is particularly important in typical holiday destinations by the sea and in the mountains, where a lot of sunlight is reflected by 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 break resistance and optical quality, especially if you are involved in sporting activities. Models that show the background in high contrast and do not splinter in the event of a fall are preferable, says the foundation.
And: Especially during the sun-intensive midday hours, it is recommended to stay in the shade or in enclosed spaces if possible in order to avoid the intense sunlight.
Read more on Techzle\.com:
- “There is no such thing as a healthy tan” – how long can you sunbathe?
- Sunscreen at Stiftung Warentest & Öko-Test: All test winners 2022 to 2024
- Sustainable swimwear: The best bikinis, swimming trunks & Co.
** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources are sometimes affiliate links: If you buy here, you are actively supporting Techzle\.com, because we then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More information.