You slip on your favourite sunglasses before heading outside, trusting them to shield your eyes from harmful rays. But those same sunglasses that protected you perfectly two years ago might not offer the same level of defence today.
UV protection on sunglasses can wear off over time, particularly in cheaper pairs with surface coatings that break down from daily use, environmental exposure, and improper care. Quality sunglasses typically have UV protection built into the lens material that lasts much longer, though scratches and coating damage can still compromise their effectiveness. Knowing when to replace your sunglasses helps keep your eyes safe from sun damage.
Brighton Eyecare offers comprehensive eye exams to assess your overall eye health and provide guidance on proper eye protection.
How UV Protection Works in Your Sunglasses
UV protection in sunglasses comes from either coatings applied to the lens surface or materials built directly into the lens during manufacturing. These protective elements absorb or reflect ultraviolet rays before they reach your eyes, blocking both UVA and UVB radiation.
Quality sunglasses from optometrists typically have UV protection embedded into the lens material itself, which doesn’t wear off and lasts the life of the lens. Less expensive sunglasses often rely on thin protective coatings applied to the surface, which can break down over time from scratches, heat, and daily wear.
Both methods create a barrier between your eyes and harmful UV radiation, but embedded protection proves much more durable than surface coatings.
Signs Your Sunglasses Need Replacing
Your sunglasses often show clear warning signs when it’s time for a new pair. Watch for these indicators that your eye protection may be compromised:
- Visible scratches on lens surfaces
- Peeling or flaking coating
- Cloudiness or hazy appearance
- Increased eye strain or discomfort in bright sunlight
- Headaches after outdoor activities
If you notice persistent eye strain or discomfort despite wearing sunglasses, schedule an eye exam with us to rule out underlying vision problems.
What Causes Sunglasses to Degrade
Daily Wear & Environmental Factors
Every time you put your sunglasses on and take them off, you create tiny opportunities for protective coatings to wear away. Your fingers leave oils, the frames flex slightly, and the lenses encounter dust and debris that can create microscopic scratches.
Heat from your car dashboard or direct sunlight can cause coatings to expand and contract repeatedly, weakening their bond to the lens. High humidity and sudden temperature changes put additional stress on these thin protective layers, particularly on cheaper sunglasses with surface coatings.
Cleaning Methods That Damage Your Lenses
Paper towels, tissue, and rough fabric can scratch lens coatings even when the damage isn’t immediately visible. Household cleaners, ammonia-based products, and even some commercial lens cleaners contain chemicals that break down protective layers.
Wiping your lenses when they’re dry or using your shirt to clean them might seem harmless, but these habits gradually damage the coatings that keep your lenses clear and effective. Always use a microfibre cloth and lens-specific cleaner to protect your investment.
How Long UV Protection Typically Lasts
Quality sunglasses with UV protection built into the lens material provide UV blocking for the life of the lens. However, other protective coatings like anti-reflective or scratch-resistant treatments typically deteriorate after 2 to 3 years with regular use, making lenses appear cloudy or damaged.
Sunglasses exposed to saltwater, chlorine, extreme temperatures, or frequent handling tend to show wear faster than those used occasionally in mild conditions. Even if the UV protection remains intact, scratched or damaged lenses can distort your vision and reduce overall eye protection.
For best eye safety, replace your sunglasses every few years even if they still block UV rays. Scratches and coating damage can cause eye strain, headaches, and reduced visual clarity that compromise your comfort and safety. Our team at Brighton Eyecare can assess your current sunglasses and recommend replacement when needed.
When to Replace Your Sunglasses
Replace your sunglasses when you notice visible damage to the lenses, persistent eye strain during sunny conditions, or when they’re more than 3 years old with regular use. Even quality sunglasses with durable UV protection can develop scratches and coating damage that affect your vision and comfort.
Your eyes depend on proper sun protection to prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and other serious conditions linked to UV exposure. While quality lenses maintain UV blocking for years, damaged or scratched sunglasses can still compromise your eye health and visual clarity.
Protect Your Vision with Quality Sunglasses
Our team at Brighton Eyecare can assess your current sunglasses and help you choose quality eyewear that provides lasting UV protection. We carry sunglasses with UV blocking built into the lens material for durability you can trust.
Book an eye exam with us in Saskatoon to discuss your sun protection needs and ensure your eyes stay healthy for years to come.
