Sunglasses are good for you. Maybe you prefer to shield your eyes with a ball cap, bucket hat, or beach umbrella, and that's good too, but there are still major benefits to wearing shades. For more insight on proper eye protection, GQ called on the expertise of ophthalmologist Lisa Park, MD at Columbia University Irving Medical Center for some intel on exactly why sunglasses are important, aside looking rad. 

Why Eye Protection Matters

You know how sunscreen helps preserve skin’s elasticity and softness (in addition to preventing burns and skin cancer)? UV-blocking sunglasses can have similar benefits on your eyes. With that in mind, Park says that there are three reasons we must protect the eyes:

Macular degeneration: This one happens with age, regardless, but can be slowed with sunglasses. “Macular degeneration affects the retina (which is the light-sensitive nerve tissue in the eye)," she says. "Using sunglasses may protect these photoreceptors from UV damage.” You'll have a better chance of being able to drive at night when you're a geezer, in other words. 

Cataracts: “Everyone eventually develops clouding of the lens, which is also known as a cataract,” says Park. “Protecting the eye from sunlight may slow the progression of cataracts.” 

Eyelid cancers and photo aging: Yes, you read that correctly. Those patches of skin, which are often ignored when we apply sun-shielding lotions, can harbor malignant growths. More superficially, sunglasses can also slow the signs of “photo aging” across the thin, delicate skin in this area. (Think crow’s feet, wrinkles, dark circles, etc.)

Not All Sunglasses Are Equally Protective

 Park says that sunglasses should have both UVA and UVB protection—the term “broad-spectrum protection” is often used here. These two different types of ultraviolet rays require different defenses. (As with skin damage, UVA rays will progress signs and conditions of aging, like cataracts and macular degeneration. UVB rays can cause cancer.)

Sunglass Lenses: Does Color and Polarization Matter?

When shopping for sunglasses, you’ll often have an option to choose your preferred lens color, and whether or not you want “polarized” lenses. One is relevant, the other is not.

Lens color: “Lens color is not relevant,” Park says. “Darker lenses are not necessarily better.” The color of the lens typically has no effect on how the lens functions, nor is it an indicator of quality. Instead, look for a promise of UVA/UVB protection, because that’s what’s important.

Polarization: Be more discerning with polarized glasses, Park warns. She says that most of them are protective against both UVA and UVB rays, but not always. Polarized lenses are mostly helpful in that they reduce glare—you know, when the light reflects off of a smooth or flat surface (like the book pages, the hood of a car, or even snow on a sunny winter day). So, go polarized when possible, but double check to make sure they’re equipped with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Sunglasses (With Broad-Spectrum UV Protection) That We Love

Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses$161

Amazon

100% UV protection in a classic package. 

Moscot "Lemtosh" sunglasses$335

END.

The most iconic New York eyewear label's most iconic model.

Warby Parker "Hatcher" sunglasses$95

Warby Parker

Sub-$100 retro aviators you won't feel awful about losing overboard.

Sun Buddies "Edie" sunglasses$155

Tres Bien

When you're ready to push beyond the bold-printed shirt this summer, kick your style into DGAF legend territory with some purple frames.

Ralph Lauren automotive pilot sunglasses$235

Ralph Lauren

Sunglasses that'll pair as well with a knit polo as they will a vintage Italian sportscar.

Randolph Engineering Concorde classic aviator sunglasses$319

Amazon

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Adam Hurly has been covering men's grooming since 2013 (and for GQ since 2016). He is also a travel writer. In Fall 2024, Adam is launching Blue Print by Adam Hurly, a men's grooming platform. Adam resides in Lisbon (previously Berlin, NYC, and San Francisco). He is a Sioux Falls, SD, native... Read moreWriterInstagramRelated Stories for GQHealth