Are dark lenses safer than light ones?

Not by themselves — UV blocking is separate from tint. Dark lenses without UV protection can be worse, opening the pupil behind an unprotected lens.

Are polarized sunglasses worth it?

For driving, water and bright pavement, yes — it is the difference you feel immediately. For some screens it can add artifacts; we help you choose per use.

Do contacts with UV protection replace sunglasses?

No — they cover only the cornea’s window. Sunglasses protect the lids, conjunctiva and the skin around the eye.

How can you tell if sunglasses have UV protection?

Read the label or tag: look for "100% UV protection" or a UV400 rating, which blocks more than 99% of UVA and UVB. How dark the lens looks tells you nothing about UV. Polarization is a separate feature that cuts glare off water and snow, so look for the UV label as well.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bijan Cohenmehr, OD Last reviewed October 24, 2026

UV Protection & Sunglasses

Los Angeles sun is a dosage problem. Sunglasses are the prescription.

UV wear on eyes is cumulative and quiet: the bump of a pinguecula, a pterygium creeping onto the cornea, the lens clouding years earlier than it had to. The fix is unglamorous and absolute — real UV protection, worn like you mean it.

Book appointmentOr call 310-828-2010 Accepted insurance

The damage: Cumulative, over decades
The evidence: Pinguecula, pterygium, earlier cataracts
The standard: Full UV-blocking lenses
From the optical: Polarized + prescription sun

Choosing well

What matters in a pair, told straight.

UV blocking is the whole point: Full UV protection is the non-negotiable. Darkness alone is not protection, and a pale lens with real UV blocking beats a dark one without it.
Polarization kills glare: Water, windshields and pavement bounce blinding reflections, and polarized lenses cut them. Drivers, boaters and beach regulars notice the upgrade.
Fit decides dosage: Light sneaks past small lenses; coverage and wrap decide how much UV reaches the eye.
Prescription sun, properly made: The optical builds sunwear in your exact prescription (Maui Jim and other sun-first brands included), so protection never costs you clarity.
Kids need it most: Young lenses transmit more UV to the retina; sun habits started early are the cheapest eye care there is.

Already seeing the signs?

Sun damage has pages of its own.

Visit the optical

Common questions

UV & sunglasses, answered.

Anything else, call the office at 310-828-2010.

Not by themselves — UV blocking is separate from tint. Dark lenses without UV protection can be worse, opening the pupil behind an unprotected lens.
For driving, water and bright pavement, yes — it is the difference you feel immediately. For some screens it can add artifacts; we help you choose per use.
No — they cover only the cornea’s window. Sunglasses protect the lids, conjunctiva and the skin around the eye.
Read the label or tag: look for "100% UV protection" or a UV400 rating, which blocks more than 99% of UVA and UVB. How dark the lens looks tells you nothing about UV. Polarization is a separate feature that cuts glare off water and snow, so look for the UV label as well.

UV & sunglasses near you

12222 Wilshire Blvd, on the Santa Monica border.

West Los Angeles Brentwood Santa Monica Westwood Beverly Hills Culver City Pacific Palisades West Hollywood Marina del Rey Newport Beach

Also consider

Next step

One pair, chosen properly.

Exam first with our Los Angeles optometrists, then the optical builds your prescription into sunwear that actually protects.

Book an exam Or call 310-828-2010