Surprising Dangers of Sunlight to Aging Eyes — Why Older Adults Should Always Wear Sunglasses

As summer heat intensifies, so does your exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays — and your eyes may be more vulnerable than you think. While most people know to use sunscreen for skin protection, far fewer take steps to protect their vision. For older adults, that oversight can be dangerous.

Your eyes age like the rest of your body. Wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes, regardless of your age. However, if you are over 50, the need for protection is even greater, according to experts.

“Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory. The sun can be very dangerous to the retina,” said Dr. Nicole Bajic, an ophthalmologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

It can cause solar retinopathy and also increase your risk for other retinal diseases. But not only that, it accelerates aging — just like the sun accelerates aging of the skin, it can also accelerate aging of the eye and put you at increased risk for skin cancers.

Why Older Adults Face Higher Risk

As you age, your eyes become more susceptible to UV damage. The lens of the eye becomes less flexible and more sensitive, and your natural ability to filter sunlight declines. If you or a loved one are over age 60, even moderate UV exposure can increase the likelihood of:

• Cataracts — a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to vision loss
• Macular degeneration — a leading cause of blindness in older adults
• Photokeratitis — a painful condition similar to sunburn of the cornea
• Eyelid and facial skin cancers — especially in the delicate tissue around the eyes

Certain medications, including diuretics, antihistamines, and some heart or psychiatric drugs, can also make your eyes more light-sensitive — increasing the risk further.

Adults over 50 already face age-related changes in vision. Protecting your eyes with sunglasses is one of the simplest preventive steps you can take.

How to Choose Sunglasses That Actually Protect

Dr. Bajic emphasized that cost doesn’t matter — UV protection does. Even inexpensive sunglasses can be effective if they carry the right labeling.

Key features to look for:

• ✅ 100% UVA and UVB protection or marked “UV 400”
• ✅ Larger lenses or wraparound styles to protect the sides and eyelids
• ✅ Polarized lenses if you need glare reduction while driving, fishing, or walking on reflective surfaces — but remember, polarization doesn’t equal UV protection
• ✅ Shatter-resistant lenses for added safety and durability

One thing that I always get asked about are the mirrored lenses. That's actually polarization — it’s not necessarily for the UV protective factor, but it does cut down on glare.

Sunglasses should be worn year-round, not just during summer. UV rays can harm your eyes, even on cloudy days or while driving.

If You Hate Sunglasses, Try These Alternatives

For older adults who struggle with fit or comfort or who wear prescription glasses, there are still options:

• Clip-on UV shields for existing glasses
• Photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight
• Wide-brimmed hats to block direct light
• Time outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon, when UV exposure is lower

Still, sunglasses offer the best protection for your eyes and the skin around them.

Caregivers: Help Protect Aging Eyes

If you’re supporting a parent or spouse with aging-related health concerns, vision protection is often overlooked. Yet vision loss is a major contributor to falls, mobility issues, and long-term care placement.

Share your thoughts and experiences about aging, caregiving, health, and long-term care with LTC News —Contact Us at LTC News.

Sunglasses can be included in care planning, especially for those with dementia or limited mobility who spend time in outdoor spaces like patios or garden paths. Consider pairing them with hats or mobility aids to support safer, more comfortable outings.

Protecting Your Vision is a Lifelong Job

Healthy eyes mean more than clear vision — they also support better balance, cognitive engagement, and independence. For older adults, this can be the difference between aging in place or requiring institutional care.

If an aging family member experiences vision loss due to conditions such as macular degeneration or cataracts, the cost of long-term care that may be required can escalate rapidly.

Long-Term Care Insurance will cover extended care services such as in-home aides or assisted living if vision loss leads to difficulty with daily living activities. However, coverage must be obtained before age or health issues pile up, making it more difficult or impossible to insure.

Use the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator to find current and future long-term care costs in your area.

Don’t Wait for a Vision Problem to Start Protecting Your Eyes

Friday (June 27, 2025) marks National Sunglasses Day, but every day should be a reminder that vision care is essential — especially as we age.

If you’re 45 or older, now is the time to start building good habits. Keep sunglasses by your front door, in your car, and in your bag. Help your parents or partner find a pair they like and will wear consistently.

Your eyes are aging every day — sunglasses are one of the easiest ways to slow the clock.

Online Resources on Eye and Vision Care

National Eye Institute

Link: National Eye Institute (NEI) – U.S. National Institutes of Health

What it offers:

• Educational materials on eye diseases (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration)
• Tips for protecting vision at all ages
• Resources in English and Spanish
• Specific information for seniors

Prevent Blindness

Link: Prevent Blindness

What it offers:

• Vision screening tools
• Guides on sunglasses, blue light, and eye safety
• Information on chronic conditions like diabetes and their effect on vision
• Advocacy and research updates

CDC

Link: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Vision Health Initiative

What it offers:

• Data and public health strategies to prevent vision loss
• Information about risk factors for vision problems in aging adults
• Tips on eye exams and eye health promotion

American Foundation for the Blind

Link: American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

What it offers:

• Resources for those experiencing vision loss
• Tools for independent living and technology for the visually impaired
• Advocacy, research, and public awareness campaigns