VOLUME 61: Why Is UV Protection on Prescription Glasses Important?

Sunshine is part of daily life in Aotearoa — whether you’re outside with the dog or sitting by the window. But while the light feels pleasant, it brings risks most people don’t think about. Sunscreen goes on easily enough, but the eyes are often overlooked. That’s a problem.

If your prescription glasses don’t block ultraviolet rays, your eyes are picking up damage bit by bit. And it doesn’t only happen under blazing skies. Cloudy days still carry UV, and glass doesn’t stop it either. Choosing lenses with the right protection isn’t a luxury — it’s a smart step toward lasting eye health.

What can UV exposure do to your eyes?

The harm from ultraviolet light builds up slowly. You likely won’t notice it right away. But over time, the effects can become serious. These include:

• Cataracts, which cloud your vision
• Macular damage that affects focus and clarity
• Growths on the surface of the eye
• Skin cancer on or near the eyelids

These issues don’t only affect those spending hours at the beach. UV light reflects off pavement, sand, and water — and New Zealand’s clear skies mean stronger exposure than in many other countries. You can limit how much sunlight reaches your eyes by wearing a hat or spending time in shaded spots. But when it comes to everyday protection, nothing beats a good pair of UV-blocking glasses.

Why don’t your eyes feel UV damage?

Sunburns make themselves known. Your eyes? Not so much. UV rays cause harm over time, and the symptoms are often subtle or delayed.

These rays travel through cloud cover, bounce off surfaces, and pass through windows. Some people feel a gritty or dry sensation after long exposure, but it fades fast — easy to brush off.

This slow buildup is exactly what makes it dangerous. By the time your vision starts to change, it’s often already compromised. That’s why UV protection should be worn year-round, not just on hot days.

Are your glasses actually protecting you?

Just because your glasses have clear lenses doesn’t mean they’re stopping UV. Some don’t include any filtering at all. Others may darken slightly, giving the impression of safety, while still letting harmful rays through. Here’s what’s often missed:

• Clearer vision means people stay outdoors longer.
• Tinted lenses can be misleading — they reduce glare, not necessarily UV.
• Budget-friendly glasses may skip UV features altogether.

Spending money on prescription frames? Make sure they’re doing more than just helping you see signs or screens. Proper UV filtering is essential for long-term eye health.

What separates UV-protective lenses from regular ones?

Lenses that block UV either absorb or deflect the rays. Some materials provide natural protection, while others rely on special coatings.

To fully protect your eyes, you need lenses that stop both UVA and UVB rays. Options worth knowing:

• Adaptive lenses that darken automatically in sunlight.
• Lightweight polycarbonate lenses, which come with built-in UV filtering.
• Treated clear lenses that block rays without changing tint.

Wearing UV-blocking prescription glasses is one of the easiest ways to reduce future risk — especially if you wear them most of the day.

Before buying new lenses, check if UV protection is included. It’s not always standard, even in pricier frames.

Do frames affect UV safety?

Absolutely. A good lens can’t block rays coming in from the side or top. Frame design matters. Close-fitting styles help shield more of your eyes and surrounding skin. Looser frames, no matter how stylish, might leave you exposed.

Stylish frames that leave much of your face exposed offer little defence against the sun. If you're aiming for proper UV protection, it’s worth picking glasses designed with sun safety in mind. And don’t be fooled by cooler weather — UV levels remain a concern year-round, particularly when sunlight reflects off snow.

When should you update your prescription?

Even top-quality lenses won’t help if your prescription is outdated. Wearing old glasses can strain your eyes, and that’s made worse in bright or changing light. It’s time to check your script if:

• You’ve noticed squinting, headaches, or fatigue
• It’s been two years or more since your last test
• You’re switching to new frames or lens styles

Modern lenses often include more than just UV protection — features like anti-glare coatings, blue light filtering, and scratch resistance are common. It’s important to know exactly what your lenses offer, so ask them to explain the options clearly. And keep in mind, older lenses might not work as well as they once did if the surface is scratched or the coating has worn away.

Final thoughts

UV exposure doesn’t feel like much in the moment. But if your glasses aren’t blocking it, your eyes could be quietly paying the price.

To keep your vision in good shape, pick lenses that filter out UV properly, check your prescription regularly, and make sure your frames support full coverage.

Not sure what to look for? You can get advice from Dresden Vision experts, who can help you choose protection that fits how you live, work, and move through the day.