14 UV Protection Sunglasses to Keep Your Eyes Safe in the Sun
Updated: May 22, 2023
Keep your eyes protected and your style flawless with these fashionable UV protection sunglasses.
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Fun in the sun
As the days get hotter and you spend more time in the sun, it’s important to wear UV protection sunglasses. Sure, the right pair can make you look extra cool, but the primary purpose is to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
“Blocking ultraviolet light is very important for the long-term health of your eyes,” says Jay M. Lustbader, MD, professor and chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University. “Just like sunscreen with UV block protects your skin, UV block in sunglasses protects your eyes.”
According to Dr. Lustbader, ultraviolet light exposure can contribute to cataracts, macular degeneration, growths on the eye surface and cancers on and inside the eye. UV protection sunglasses can help prevent those and shield the delicate skin around your eyes, which is more susceptible to wrinkles and skin cancer too. So slather on some sunscreen, a cute sun hat, and one of these sunglasses and enjoy some summer fun.
Maui Jim Koko Head PolarizedPlus2 Sunglasses
Whether you’re going for a walk or hitting the beach, these on-trend Maui Jim sunglasses with polarized, rounded lenses and 100% UV protection should be your go-to pair. They’re a bit pricier than some of the other options on our list, but the rubber nose pads and shockingly thin glass lenses make them easy to wear all day long. This particular style is ideal for narrow and smaller faces, which can often be difficult to match with high-quality frames.
Kaliyadi Polarized Sunglasses
These Kaliyadi sunglasses are an inexpensive and chic way to protect your eyes, thanks to 100% UV protection and a wider-than-average footprint—something that’s important when choosing protective eyewear. After all, the more coverage, the better! The polarized coating is ideal for glare protection. With more than 21,000 five-star ratings, they’re a top pick on our list.
“The best sunglass purchase and bundle hands down,” writes Edward Perkola in his five-star review. “I immediately ordered a second set for the house and wife’s car. Like chapstick, I can never find a pair of glasses where I left them. Not anymore.”
Carfia Polarized Sunglasses
You’ll love wearing these Carfia aviator hybrids, which offer the rounded edges of everyone’s favorite Top Gun style with the added function and flair of enhanced lightweight arms. It’s no wonder they have so many fans. These sunglasses on Amazon are affordable, come in a wide variety of colors, feature polarized gradient lenses and have a UVA and UVB 400 protective coating.
Meetsun Polarized Retro Sunglasses
Staying on top of the trends won’t break the bank with this bold pair of Meetsun sunglasses. An Amazon’s Choice item with more than 16,000 five-star ratings, they’re available in 28 different lens and frame color combinations. They offer a composite frame, triacetate cellulose lenses and a mirror coating that protects against UV rays and blue light up to 400 nanometers.
“The clarity with these is amazing,” writes Gina Knight in her five-star review. “It’s like a whole different experience when I’m out on the water as opposed to other sunglasses I own. I can actually see everything so clearly. They are durable and fit amazingly. I fell in the water twice, and they stayed on my face!”
Bircen Driving Sunglasses
Anyone with a round face or wider cheekbones will love these Bircen sunglasses, which feature spring hinges that adjust to your face shape. They’re available in 14 color combinations that range from demure to eye-popping. The magnesium-aluminum frame is the type of feature you’d find on high-end UV protection sunglasses, and the composite lenses also offer full ultraviolet protection, thanks to the brand’s signature coating.
Babiators Navigators Sunglasses
Good habits should start early, which is why kids need to don protective eyewear at the pool, on the playground and pretty much everywhere else outdoors. These fun frames from Babiators are a child- and baby-friendly take on the forever-favorite adult classic. The lenses have rubber frames, boast 100% UVA and UVB protection and are shatter resistant, which means they’re basically kid-proof!
“If you have a baby, these are a must-have splurge,” writes Cara Rodman in her five-star review. “They are durable, well made, and literally the cutest things I’ve ever seen. They keep the sun out of our daughter’s eyes and stay on really well. We use them all day long.”
WeeFarers Sunglasses
Little ones will look extra cute this summer when they’re outfitted with WeeFarers, the tinier version of retro-cool Wayfarers. Offering sizing that accommodates children’s growing noggins, every pair protects young peepers with 100% UVA and UVB protection. The lenses are also impact-resistant, BPA free and phthalate free. Standard lenses come non-polarized, but polarized options are available in all styles.
Retro Rewind Polarized Sunglasses
Because these polarized Retro Rewind shades look like they cost so much more than they actually do, they’ve garnered nearly 7,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. They’re available in more than 50 color combinations and are impact resistant, making them durable even for kids.
“These are exactly what I was looking for,” writes Amazon reviewer Cinderella T. “They are light and they reduce glare and provide clearer vision in bright sunlight. And they don’t get caught in my hair and look really cool! Great for running, walking and driving. I ordered other colors as well—such a fun product.”
Discount Glasses Westend Worthington
These fashion-forward Westend Worthington sunglasses are a bold style statement for every day of the week at an affordable price. They have 100% UVA and UVB protection, come in three different colors and boast a gender-neutral style that easily pairs with everything from sandals to golf tees.
“The wayfarer lens shape is a classic, which means it styles well with everything,” explains Laurie Brucker Amerikaner, a professional wardrobe stylist. “But what I especially love about this pair is that it’s a bit of a bigger frame, which adds a vintage glam to the classic shape.”
Pair Eyewear Customizable Sparkle Frames
These very glittery, totally customizable sunnies are simply the best UV sunglasses for glitz and glamour. First, pick a base frame, like the universally flattering Larkin, and then customize the lenses based on tint, prescription and more. Next, add one of the top frames from Pair Eyewear’s Sparkle collection.
They’re a fun, dazzling way to show some personality without compromising UV protection. Plus, this noncommittal style is so versatile. Thanks to literally dozens of available color options, you can constantly swap out the top frame on a whim, making this one of the best places to buy glasses online.
Rheos Nautical Eyewear Eddies
If you love hitting the pool or lake but are prone to losing your favorite frames (hey, it happens to the best of us), you’ll be obsessed with the Eddies. They’re the best UV protection sunglasses for active types because the frames are designed to float when they hit the water. The wraparound style also protects more of the eye area, which is essential when you’re outdoors for long periods of time. Did we mention that they’re polarized too?
Sunski Topeka Sunglasses
Eye-friendly glasses can be Earth-friendly too. These Sunski Topeka shades are made of recycled plastic and are some of the best UV sunglasses for those who truly value the environment. Plus, they’re lightweight enough for everything from a day at the beach to a long bike ride through the mountains. They’re also a great eco-friendly gift for friends and family.
Maui Jim Ocean Cat Eye Sunglasses
Clumsy friends, are you listening? One of the reasons Maui Jim sunglasses are considered some of the best is the brand’s commitment to guaranteeing its lenses. If they’re damaged, just send them back to the company to fix, repair or replace them. So go ahead and wear these polarized Maui Jim Ocean shades over your favorite tinted sunscreen for the next several years.
Reks Polarized Unbreakable Sunglasses
Do you forget your sunglasses and buy a pair for every purse, backpack and beach bag? Then Reks sunglasses are probably right for you. Order several pairs of polycarbonate polarized shades with UV-protective lenses and unbreakable frames. Think of them as fashion-based insurance policies for your eye health!
FYI, Reks takes its “unbreakable” claim pretty seriously, so these will last. No matter what, never leave home without a top-notch pair of UV protection sunglasses even on cloudy days.
Additional reporting by Bryce Gruber.
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Sources:
- Jay M. Lustbader, MD, physician executive director of ophthalmology at MedStar Health and professor and chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Georgetown University
- Laurie Brucker Amerikaner, professional wardrobe stylist
