While the internet allows for an exchange of information and knowledge at lightning speed, it has also caused an information dump — with a lot of what is shared being unverified and often misleading. As such, it can often be hard to sift facts from fiction. And one such claim is about sunglasses being a cause of sunburns.

In an unverified video, a woman can be seen claiming, “Sunglasses are not good for the eyes.” Explaining her point she continued, “You see, your eyes are an extension of your brain. If we go outside on a hot sunny day, the strength of the sun is monitored by the eyes and the message is sent to the brain, which gives a message to the skin to close up little receptor sites — so you don’t burn so easily. But if you go out in the hot sun with sunglasses on you can burn a lot easily because your brain didn’t get the message that the sun’s hot to close the receptor sites”. She, however, added that is okay to wear sunglasses if you are driving or skiing, as the glare from the sun can be harmful to the eyes.

But, she is not the only one. Various other unverified sources on the internet claim that sunglasses can lead to sunburns as “the Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) — which helps protect the skin from UV rays — is not released when wearing sunglasses” and instead of getting tanned, your “skin could get sunburned”. To find out if there is any truth to the claim, we reached out to an expert.

Can sunglasses actually cause sunburn?

No, sunglasses do not cause sunburns. Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Deepti Mehta, Consultant – Ophthalmology, CARE Hospitals, Hi-Tec City, Hyderabad said, “It is a myth that wearing sunglasses can cause sunburns; this is not supported by any scientific evidence”.

She added what while it is true that wearing sunglasses may provide shade to the skin around the eyes, preventing direct exposure to sunlight, this alone does not inhibit melanin production. “Melanin production is primarily regulated by genetic factors and UV exposure, rather than the presence or absence of sunglasses,” she stressed.

How to avoid sunburns?

Dr Mehta shared the following steps to avoid sunburns. They are:

Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor on exposed areas of the skin, including the face and body. Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.

Seek shade: When the sun is strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., try to stay in shaded areas or use umbrellas or canopies to reduce direct sun exposure.

Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin with clothing, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and pants, to provide additional physical protection against UV radiation.

Use sunglasses with UV protection: Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to safeguard your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Should you wear sunglasses?

Absolutely. Sunglasses play a crucial role in protecting the eyes from harmful UV rays and improving visibility during activities under the sun, such as driving. Below are some recommendations for maintaining eye health and overall sun safety by Dr Mehta:

Choose sunglasses with UV protection: Look for sunglasses that provide 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This ensures that your eyes are shielded from the damaging effects of UV radiation.

Opt for polarised lenses: Polarised lenses not only protect against UV rays but also reduce glare, which can enhance visibility and make activities like driving or being outdoors more comfortable.

Wear sunglasses consistently: Make it a habit to wear sunglasses whenever you are exposed to sunlight, especially during peak UV hours (typically between 10 a.m and 4 p.m). Even on cloudy days, UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and reach your eyes.

Combine sunglasses with other sun protection measures: While sunglasses are essential for eye protection, it’s important to remember that they do not provide complete coverage for the skin surrounding the eyes. To protect your skin from sunburn and other UV damage, apply sunscreen to exposed areas, wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, and consider using protective clothing.

Consult an eye care professional: Regular eye exams are important to monitor eye health and ensure optimal vision. An eye care professional can provide personalised recommendations for sunglasses based on your specific needs and any existing eye conditions.

By combining the use of sunglasses with other sun protection measures, you can effectively safeguard your eyes and skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Prioritising sun safety is crucial for maintaining good eye health and overall well-being.