Dr. Ambhruni Padhye, an optometrist and consultant for Specsavers’ clinical services development, emphasized to SBS News the crucial necessity of ensuring your eyewear provides sufficient UV protection.

Anita Dessaix, who chairs Cancer Council Australia’s Public Health Committee, highlighted to SBS News the long-term risks associated with UV exposure. She noted it could potentially lead to serious or irreversible eye conditions, such as cataracts, cancer of the conjunctiva, eyelid and periorbital skin cancer, solar keratopathy, and pterygium.

The lens category number, which indicates the level of protection, is typically found on a tag or sticker with the glasses and often also printed inside the frame.

Symbols indicating UV protection standards might be printed on the inside of your sunglasses frame, providing further assurance of compliance. Source: SBS News / Amy Hall

When purchasing sunglasses online, it’s important to verify the lens category number in the product description to ensure adequate protection.

According to Padhye, the ideal category of sunglasses can vary based on when you intend to wear them, suggesting that personal needs should guide your selection.

If you’re buying sunglasses online, make sure to check the product description for the lens category number.

The category of sunglasses that best suits your needs can vary depending on when you plan to wear them, Padhye said.

Each lens category offers different levels of eye protection against sun glare and UV radiation. Source: SBS News

“Category 2 is medium tint and recommended for everyday sun with good UV protection,” Padhye said.

Padhye suggested consulting an eye care professional if you’re unsure whether the sunglasses you’re looking to buy or already own offer adequate UV or sun glare protection.

Other ways to protect your eyes from UV damage

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can add an extra layer of protection, helping to keep the sun off your eyes and face, Padhye said.

Wearing sunglasses is just one part of a sun safe routine. Source: SBS News

“Use sunscreen as well — just be careful because the skin around the eyes is delicate,” Padhye said.

Symptoms of eye sunburn

“The eye can be quite red as well. Sometimes you can get blurry vision, and this can be temporary, but it can also cause a lot of tearing and watery eyes and almost like a gritty, irritated feeling.”

How to treat eye sunburn

Like the sunburn you may get on your face or body, photokeratitis can be treated at home.