Sunglasses aren’t just a fun and funky fashion accessory. Your eyes, just like your skin, need year-round protection from the sun. “Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is your eyes’ worst enemy,” says Andrea Thau, O.D., spokesperson for the American Optometric Association. “You need to wear sunglasses anytime you’re outside to prevent UV radiation from being absorbed by the cornea, lens and other structures of the eye. Small amounts of UV exposure over a long period of time are very damaging.” Even on hazy or overcast days, UV radiation permeates cloudy skies, so make sure your sunglasses are with you at all times.

Keep your eyes covered: Large shades like these from Guess ($85) protect more of your eyes.

—Arricca Elin SanSone
Reviewed by Brad Oren, M.D.

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