The truth about sunglasses
If your sunglasses spend more time on your head than on your face, then this one is for you! There are many 'spec-tacular' benefits to wearing your sunnies. As well as adding a fashionable touch to any outfit, they also protect your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun's harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays.
Whether you're looking for advice on children's sunglasses, want to find out more about UV protection or you'd like to explore different types of lenses, read on because this page will help you with what you need to know on sunglasses.
Should children wear sunglasses?
Thought your little one didn’t need sunnies? Quite the opposite! Children’s eyes are particularly prone to sun damage because they have larger pupils & clearer lenses, which allow more UV to get in.
Our range of sunglasses all have full UV protection to shield children from harmful rays. Inspired by the bestselling high street styles & playful looks, we have a frame for every young fashionista out there!
Browse the collection from popular brands like Ray-Ban as well as great value eyewear from our in-house brand Boots Eyewear. Visit all kids’ sunglasses.
Everything you need to know about UV (ultraviolet) rays
Can UV light can cause damage to your eyes?
Exposure to UV light can make you more likely to get cataracts (this is the term used for a gradual clouding of the lens which leads to blurry vision) or age-related macular degeneration (a gradual loss of vision in the centre of your eye).
Do lenses with a darker tint provide more UV protection?
Just because the lens appears darker, doesn’t mean it offers better protection.
In fact, wearing sunnies with dark lenses without enough UV protection can actually be worse than wearing no sunglasses at all. Why? Because they can cause the eyes’ pupils to dilate (get bigger) & let more harmful light in.
Do all sunglasses offer the same UV protection?
The level of UV protection provided by sunglasses can vary from pair to pair, but you can be rest assured that at Boots Opticians all our sunglasses meet the International Standard of ISO 12312-1:2013 (en). You’ll look great & feel safe too.
When to wear sunglasses
Do you still need sunglasses when it's cloudy?
The sun's rays can be just as tough on your eyes when it's overcast. In fact, cloud cover only reduces the amount of UV light by just 10 percent
Do you still need sunglasses in the winter sun?
The sun's rays are still strong even when the sun sits lower in the sky. That's why it's important to still wear your sunglasses in the winter.
Different types of lenses for sunglasses
Can Polarised lenses offer extra UV protection?
Although they don’t offer extra UV protection, polarised lenses certainly have their benefits.
As well as reducing glare on flat & shiny surfaces, they can help increase contrast, leaving you with comfortable, clear vision on sunny days.
Whether you spend a lot of time driving, fishing, cycling or skiing, you can add polarised lenses to your sunglasses for as little as an additional £70 at Boots Opticians.
Can Tinted lenses offer extra UV protection?
Although it won’t affect the level of UV protection, adding a coloured tint can help reduce eye strain & glare, improve contrast & enhance depth awareness.
Our green, grey & brown tints can be added to your prescription sunnies for no extra cost, while our mirrored blue & silver tints can be added for an extra £30.
Can you wear sunglasses with corrective lenses?
At Boots Opticians, all our sunglasses are available with prescription or non-prescription lenses, depending on your needs. If you need corrective lenses adding, bring a valid prescription with you when purchasing your new sunglasses & we will do the rest. If you don’t have one, we’ll need to check your eyes. You can book your eye test online or by calling 0345 125 3752.*
That’s not all! You can also get UV protection added to contact lenses, & even to glasses with clear lenses. But for the highest level of protection, we’d always recommend a pair of sunglasses.
Need a new pair?
Now you know the truth about sunglasses, are you ready to give them a go? From Ted Baker, Police & Ray-Ban, to Tom Ford, Prada, Kate Spade & more, we’ve got a huge range to suit every budget, occasion & lifestyle.
We're totally confident you’re going to love your new sunglasses & with our Complete Satisfaction Guarantee (which covers returns, warranty & care), you can be completely confident too.
