Ten percent of skin cancers happen on or around the eyelids.  So you need to ask yourself, have you got adequate protection for your eyes against ultraviolet (UV) light?  Do your sunglasses meet Australian standards?  If so, for the most part you are probably ok.  But you need to have a good look in the mirror and check if your sunglasses cover the skin around your eyes as well as your eyes or are they sticking out from your face and allowing the light to touch your skin uninhibited?  If so you might want to have a rethink about your chosen sunglass design. (NB. wrap-around frame and lenses tend to have a closer fit to the face and let less light around the frame).

Another choice you have with choosing sunglasses is having polarised lenses.  Polarised lens type is fantastic for cutting down the glare.  Favoured by boaties and fisherman due to the ability to see down into the water.  They are also loved by all that hate glare.  Please note however that polarised lenses may make some LCD screens invisible which is why pilots are not advised to wear them.

Lens colours are another option within the sunglass range.  For the most part the lenses are either grey, green or brown tinted and or polarised.  The grey tint tends to dim everything down and is great for people who are very glare sensitive.  The brown tint can enhance colours and is great for those who wish to wear their glasses early till late in the day.

UV light has been implicated in research to be linked to cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration as well.  All the more reason to wear sunglasses that meet Australian standards.  Why can’t your sunglasses be safety glasses as well – that way if you are mowing for example and you hit a hit and fly up to your face your eyes will be protected.