Sunny skies are one of the many perks of living in South Florida. However, with all that sunshine, it’s imperative to protect your eyes. The intense UV rays that come with our beautiful weather can do more than make you squint; they can damage your eyes over time.
At Clarin Eye Care Center and Coral Gables Eye Care, we offer high-quality sunglasses in Palmetto Bay and Coral Gables. Our trusted optometrists recommend wearing them year-round to keep your vision healthy and your eyes protected.
Why you need to wear sunglasses
Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays1. Prolonged exposure to sunlight without proper UV protection can increase your risk of developing:
- Cataracts: UV exposure can speed up clouding of the lenses in your eyes
- Macular degeneration: A leading cause of vision loss linked to sun damage
- Photokeratitis: A painful sunburn of the cornea, similar to snow blindness
- Pinguecula and pterygium: Growths on the surface of the eye caused by UV and wind exposure
- Skin cancer around the eyelids: Often overlooked, but very real
Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays is essential to protecting your eye health.
How do sunglasses protect your eyes?
Quality sunglasses act as both a physical and optical barrier, helping protect your eyes from environmental stressors and long-term damage. Here’s how they help:
- UV protection: The lenses block harmful ultraviolet light that can damage sensitive eye tissues
- Blue light filtering: Some lenses reduce high-energy visible light, which may contribute to eye strain and visual fatigue
- Glare reduction: Polarized lenses minimize glare from roads, water, and other reflective surfaces for clearer, more comfortable vision
- Wind & debris shielding: Sunglasses provide a layer of defense against dust, sand, and wind, which is especially useful in coastal South Florida
What to look for in sunglasses
Not all sunglasses are created equal. Those sunglasses you picked up on vacation for a great price may look stylish, but they might not be protecting your eyes like they should. For the best protection, choose sunglass lenses that offer:
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- Polarized lenses for clearer, more comfortable vision
- Wraparound frames for added side protection
- Impact-resistant lenses if you’re active or play sports
- Prescription lenses if you wear glasses or need vision correction
Do you need help choosing the right pair? Our optical team can offer expert guidance to help you find sunglasses that match your lifestyle, fashion sense, and visual needs.
Year-round protection in South Florida
It’s easy to think of sunglasses as a summer accessory. But in South Florida, the sun shines brightly all year long. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the atmosphere and affect your eyes.
Whether you’re heading to the beach, walking the dog, or driving to work, sunglasses should be part of your daily routine.
Shop locally for stylish, protective sunglasses
At Clarin Eye Care Center and Coral Gables Eye Care, we carry a wide selection of stylish, high-performance sunglasses in our optical boutiques. Our collection includes designer frames, prescription options, and sport-specific lenses.
Call our Palmetto Bay or Coral Gables office or schedule an appointment to find your perfect pair of sunglasses.
References:
- Kuo, I. C. (2019, July 24). How to Protect Your Eyes from UV Damage. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/articles/2019/07/how-to-protect-your-eyes-from-uv-damage
