Your eyes and the sensitive skin surrounding them can be damaged by too much UV radiation exposure.

A wide-brimmed hat can help reduce UV radiation to the eyes, but combining a hat with good quality sunglasses provide considerably higher levels of protection. UV radiation can come around the edges of ordinary spectacle frames. Polarised sunglasses reduce glare and make it easier to see on a sunny day however they do not increase the level of UV radiation protection. Wear sunglasses that are close-fitting and wrap-around and conform to the AS/NZ1067:2016 sunglass Standard.

Read the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) information on sunglasses

Children and sunglasses

There is evidence that overexposure to UV radiation can cause a predisposition to eye problems (such as pterygium and cataracts).

Around highly reflective surfaces (such as snow) sunglasses should be worn if practical. If sunglasses are worn, they should conform to the AS/NZS1067: 2016 sunglass Standard.

A legionnaire, broad-brimmed or bucket (minimum 6 cm brim) hat provides significant protection for the eyes, and children should be encouraged to wear one while playing outside.

When the Ultraviolet Index (UVI) is 3 and above, for the best protection use all five SunSmart behaviours – Slip on clothing, Slip into shade, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Wrap on sunglasses.