Ophthalmologist: 'Cheap sunglasses protect just as well as expensive brand glasses'

The sun shines. Yet not everyone wears sunglasses. How bad is that? Dr. Suzanne Yzer, ophthalmologist at The Rotterdam Eye Hospital: "The importance of sunglasses is often underestimated."

Are sunglasses important in the summer?

"Yes. Research among people who have spent a lot of time in the sun, such as fishermen, people around the equator and in the mountains, shows that on average they develop cataracts ten years earlier. On average, they also suffer from a serious form of macular degeneration earlier. wear of the yellow spot."

"The damage is caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Sunglasses filter that radiation and thus protect the eyes."

When should you put on sunglasses?

"If the sun's radiation is so strong that you have to apply sunscreen to your skin to avoid burning. Then the UV radiation is so strong that it can also damage the eye. Especially in bright sun, in the snow, In the mountains or on the water where the light is brighter, it is important to wear sunglasses."

And children? Do they also have to wear sunglasses?

"Sunglasses are extra important for children. Their pupil is slightly wider and the lens is clearer than that of adults. This allows more harmful radiation to reach the retina. If small children do not want to wear glasses, protect their eyes with a pair of rimmed glasses. hat. And keep them out of the sun between noon and 3 p.m.

What kind of glasses do you choose?

"Make sure that it says 'UV400' or '100 percent UV'. This applies to almost all sunglasses sold in the Netherlands."

So it doesn't matter whether you buy expensive or cheap glasses?

"Not for protection against UV radiation, no. Whether you buy sunglasses at the gas station, the drugstore, the eyewear store or a design store, they all protect against the sun equally well."

What then causes the difference in price?

"Brand and styling. In addition, more expensive glasses often have polarized lenses. They do not provide better protection, but are more comfortable, because they filter the glare on the road surface, for example. They also often fit better. In that respect, it is worth purchasing more expensive glasses. because you wear comfortable glasses more often."

What else should you pay attention to?

"Preferably choose glasses with large lenses and a fitted frame. This prevents light from shining into the eye along the sides, top or bottom. Large lenses also protect the skin around your eyes against burning. That is part of the the body that we often forget to moisturize."