Most of us reach for sunscreen and a hat without thinking twice. Sunglasses often get less care. Many people pick a pair for the look and never check the label. Yet your eyes take in sunlight every time you step outside.
The good news is that choosing protective sunglasses is simple once you know what to look for. Australia has a mandatory standard for sunglasses and a clear labelling system. A few minutes reading the swing tag can tell you most of what you need. Here is how to read it and what else to think about.
Why your eyes need sun protection
Ultraviolet radiation affects more than your skin. According to Cancer Council NSW advice on protecting your eyes from the sun, UV can cause short term eye problems. These include blinking, swelling and trouble with bright light. Over time, exposure can cause serious or permanent eye damage.
Cancer Council lists several conditions linked with UV exposure. They include cataracts, which are a clouding of the lens and may need surgery. The list also covers pterygium, solar keratopathy and cancers of the conjunctiva and the skin around the eyes. Some of these take years to show up, so the habits you build now matter later.
If you have had eye surgery, protection matters even more while you heal. Our guide to LASIK eye surgery recovery covers that period in more detail. For everyone else, the aim is the same. Keep as much UV away from your eyes as you reasonably can.
How sunglasses are labelled in Australia
Sunglasses and fashion spectacles sold in Australia are covered by a mandatory standard. The ACCC Product Safety Australia guide to sunglasses and fashion spectacles explains that suppliers and retailers must comply with it. Each pair is labelled with one of five lens categories. The category tells you how much glare reduction and UV protection the lenses give.
The categories run from 0 to 4. Higher numbers generally mean more glare reduction. Here is a plain summary of each one, based on the ACCC guide.
- Category 0 is fashion spectacles, not sunglasses, with very low glare reduction and little or no UV protection.
- Category 1 is also fashion spectacles, with limited glare reduction and some UV protection.
- Category 2 gives medium glare reduction and good UV protection, and suits everyday wear.
- Category 3 gives high glare reduction and good UV protection, which suits bright sun and water glare at the beach.
- Category 4 is special purpose eyewear with very high glare reduction, and it must never be worn while driving.
For the best UV protection, the ACCC suggests looking for category 2, 3 or 4. Cancer Council says sunglasses meeting the standard in these categories absorb 95% of UV radiation. Categories 0 and 1 are fashion spectacles with poor UV protection. They may look like sunglasses, but they are not built for sun protection.
Price is not a guide to protection
A high price tag does not tell you much about UV protection. Cancer Council notes that some cheaper fashion sunglasses do not give sun protection. Both Cancer Council and the ACCC point to the lens category on the swing tag. The label is the thing to check, not the cost.
Some sunglasses also show an Eye Protection Factor, or EPF. Cancer Council says an EPF of 9 or 10 gives excellent protection and blocks almost all UV radiation. Not every pair carries this rating. If it is there, it is a handy extra check alongside the lens category.
Fit and frame style
UV can reach your eyes from around the sides of your sunglasses as well as through the lenses. Cancer Council says wraparound, close fitting styles with large lenses help reduce reflected UV and glare. Small or loose frames leave gaps at the edges. Try a few shapes and see how much light gets in from the side.
A hat makes a real difference too. Cancer Council says sunglasses and a sun safe hat together can reduce UV reaching your eyes by up to 98%. It suggests broad brimmed, bucket or legionnaire style hats. These also shade your face, neck, ears and head, which is a bonus on long days outdoors.
Choosing sunglasses for driving
Lens category matters on the road as well as at the beach. The ACCC says to avoid category 1 and category 4 sunglasses when driving. Category 4 lenses should never be used for driving at any time. Sunglasses can also reduce your ability to see in low light and can make some colours harder to tell apart.
Planning a long trip by car is a good moment to check the pair in your glovebox. If you are sending a car interstate instead, our tips for transporting your vehicle may help with the logistics. Either way, keep a suitable category 2 or 3 pair handy for daytime driving. Photochromic lenses darken in sunlight and clear indoors, but the ACCC says some may not suit night driving.
Sunglasses for children
Children spend plenty of time outside, so their eyes need protection too. Cancer Council says it is worth protecting young eyes early. Sunglasses for children should meet the standard and fit closely. Toy sunglasses are fine for dress ups but give little sun protection.
The ACCC notes that glasses clearly labelled as toys are not covered by the mandatory standard. That is why the toy aisle is not the place to shop for real sun protection. Look for a proper lens category on the tag, just as you would for adult sunglasses. A comfortable fit also means they are more likely to stay on.
Prescription glasses and special situations
If you wear prescription glasses, the rules are a little different. Cancer Council says the Australian Standard does not cover tinted or clear prescription glasses. Some prescription lenses block UV or can be given a UV coating. An optometrist can talk you through the options for your lenses.
Snow and water bring their own challenges. Cancer Council describes snow blindness as sunburn on the surface of the eye that usually lasts a few days. It recommends wraparound sunglasses or snug goggles in category 2 or higher for the snow. On the water, the ACCC notes that category 3 lenses suit bright sun and glare at the beach.
Making sun protection part of the day
Sunglasses work best as one part of a sun safe routine. The ACCC suggests wearing them along with shade, a hat and sunscreen. It also suggests making UV eye protection part of your everyday routine. A pair kept by the front door makes the habit much easier.
Time in the garden and backyard counts too. If you are planning more outdoor living space, our article on residential landscape designs has ideas for shaded areas. Group activities outdoors are another time to think ahead. When you organise team building games outside, remind people to bring hats and sunglasses.
If a pair of sunglasses seems unsafe or does not meet the standard, you can report it. The ACCC accepts reports through its Report an unsafe product page. Under Australian consumer protections, products should be of acceptable quality, which includes being safe. Keeping the swing tag or receipt can help if you need to raise a problem.
Frequently asked questions
Do darker lenses give more UV protection?
Not necessarily. The lens category shows both glare reduction and UV protection. Categories 2, 3 and 4 give good UV protection, while category 4 is very dark and not for driving.
Are cheap sunglasses safe to wear?
They can be, if they meet the standard and carry category 2, 3 or 4. Cancer Council notes some cheaper fashion sunglasses give no sun protection. Check the label rather than the price.
What does EPF mean on a swing tag?
EPF stands for Eye Protection Factor. Cancer Council says an EPF of 9 or 10 gives excellent protection. It blocks almost all UV radiation.
Should children wear sunglasses?
Yes, Cancer Council recommends protecting young eyes early. Choose close fitting sunglasses that meet the standard. Avoid toy sunglasses, as they give little sun protection.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your eyes or vision, speak with a doctor, optometrist or other qualified health professional.