The 15 Best Sunglasses to Protect Eyes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Find the right frames for any outdoor activity with these fashionable and protective picks.

Jaylyn Pruitt has been working with Dotdash Meredith since May 2019 and is currently a commerce writer for Health where she writes about health and wellness products.

Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post.

In This Article

Health / David Hattan

Sunglasses are a great finish for any outfit, but they’re also more important for your eyes than you might think. They’re the best way to protect against ultraviolet light, which can cause serious damage to eyes—and not all sunglasses work to protect against it.

According to James Dello Russo, OD, of Dello Russo Laser Vision, not wearing sunglasses can cause ocular surface damage—aka damage to the outer surface of the eye. It can cause problems like solar keratitis (sunburn of the eye) and early cataract development. Everyone can and should wear sunglasses outdoors. But make sure you check your sunglasses for 100% UV protection or UV400—not all sunglasses provide it.

While UV protection is the most important factor when shopping for sunglasses, it’s not the only thing you should look for. You should also consider lens coating, tints, fit, and frame shape. While these can all work to make the perfect summer accessory, they can also keep your eyes protected during any outdoor activity. To find the best sunglasses to protect eyes, we tested 40 different pairs for two weeks in the real world, considering their fit, UV protection and polarization, comfort, and stability during everyday activities to find the right pair for any activity.

Despite being the Commerce Editor for Health and having a degree in biology, I often considered sunglasses to be more for style than eye health. But now that I have astigmatism, taking care of my eyes, whether indoors or out, is important to me.

I’ve learned that lenses with 100% UV protection, labeled as UV400, are the baseline for eye protection. Polarized lenses take it further by reducing glare and providing extra clarity.

If you’re wary of buying expensive shades, like I am, since I tend to lose sunglasses a lot, I was happy to learn that for basic UV400 protection and polarization, you can find great options at an affordable price, like the I-SEA All Aboard sunglasses. Expect to pay more if you want additional features, like the chromatic lenses on the Smith Caper sunglasses, for a sharper image.

Dr. Dello Russo says pricier sunglasses often last longer and offer better protection over time. He also mentioned that CR39 plastic lenses, common in cheaper sunglasses, tend to wear down easily.

Here’s a quick home test to ensure your sunglasses are high quality: Look at a tiled floor through the lenses, covering one eye and moving the glasses around. If the lines stay straight, the lenses are good. If they appear wavy, it’s time to get another pair. Hold the sunglasses in front of a bright screen to check for polarization and rotate them 90 degrees. If they go dark, they’re polarized.

Remember, the value of expensive sunglasses is not just about the price tag. It's about the features you need and your commitment to long-term eye health. It's a personal choice that only you can make, but one that can significantly impact your eye health in the long run.

-Lauren Paige Richeson, Commerce Editor

A good pair of sunglasses to protect eyes should not only offer full UV protection, but they should also be sturdy and comfortable to wear. The Raen Keera Frames scored perfect fives across the board during testing thanks to their UVA and UVB protection and their sturdy and secure fit that doesn’t slip or pinch. We thought they were so comfortable that we wore them all day during testing.

They also made our best overall pick because of their large lenses that keep the sun and wind out. Plus their shade is just right—they're dark enough for outdoors but we were also able to keep them on indoors with no issues. We also loved their chic design that flatters most faces and head shapes.

While these sunglasses aren’t polarized, we thought they did a great job of keeping out glare and providing enough clarity that they reminded us of other polarized pairs.

High-quality sunglasses are essential for keeping eyes protected, but they don’t have to be expensive. At under $30, the I-SEA All Aboard impressed us during testing with their polarized lenses and classic aviator design. We also liked the large lenses for added sun protection. These lenses are great for all-day comfort, and nose pads for added adjustability ensure no pinching or rubbing during wear. They’re available in six colors for added adjustability.

We noticed that the larger frames may slide on smaller faces because of their metal design. But when we tested these glasses, we didn’t notice any sliding, even during quick movement.

As with most health products, the best one is the one you’ll actually use—which is why we like Eleventh Hour’s Essential frames. Fashion-forward, comfortable, and polarized, these sunglasses are ideal for all-day wear. We liked these frames so much that they wore them for the entire testing period, keeping them on for every activity.

We appreciated that the Essential frames have a nice weight thanks to their quality construction. Yet they're not so heavy that they become too much during wear. We also felt that the frames had enough give to fit any face or head shape without loosening over time. In fact, we were impressed when we wore them on a windy beach day during testing, and they never budged once. Their large polarized, One-hundred-percent UVA/UVB lenses should also keep eyes protected from the sun and wind no matter where you wear them.

The arms are a little thin.

Health / Alessandra Amodio

The wrong pair of sunglasses can be hard to wear for extended periods of time; they can pinch, rub, and slide if they don’t fit just right. This makes it tempting to take them off, leaving the eyes exposed. The Indy Nolita frames, however, scored perfect fives across the board from when we rated them for comfort, fit, and quality. We were impressed by the frames’ thick, sturdy construction that fit just right on all face shapes and stayed secure no matter how we moved our heads. They were so comfortable, in fact, we forgot we were wearing them. We also liked their sturdy heft that wasn’t too heavy for extended wear.

The Nolitas have wide, triangular lenses that cover the entire eye and keep the sun out. Plus, they’re polarized and offer 100% UV protection, keeping eyes protected while being comfy enough to wear during any activity.

We couldn’t find many issues with these frames, but we do think it's a bit disappointing that they're currently only available in two colors: black and tortoise.

Health / Jessica Vadillo

When you’re looking for sun protection on a walk, you want frames that are sturdy, stay put, and block sun and wind—and we liked the Quay After Hours frames for all those reasons. While they’re not polarized, they do offer 100% UV protection and our staff thought the large lenses and square frame shape were great for blocking wind and sun while outdoors.

The After Hours frames are made with a thick, BPA-free plastic that we liked for their durability and sturdiness that holds up well during any outdoor exercise. We also like the dark gray tint, which we thought was easy to see through without making things too dark.

Their included case is a little flimsy, but the frames themselves are durable.

Fan-favorite sports and outdoor brand Smith makes one of our favorite pairs of sunglasses—but they’re not your typical sports sunglasses. Instead, the Smith Caper frames are fashion-forward, with a slight cat eye shape that flatters the face while keeping eyes protected. Plus, the hinges on these shades have enough give to work well for both narrow and wide faces.

The Smith Caper frames are our pick for hiking not only because of their non-slip fit and security, but also because they use the brand’s Chromapop lenses to make any hike crisper, clearer, and more vivid. Our editor noted that while the Chromapop lenses sounded like a marketing gimmick, they do genuinely provide a clearer, sharper image.

We also like their wide polarized lenses, which help protect from the sun’s glare and reduce eye strain during outdoor activities (or even just running errands). If you do decide to wear them during your toughest outdoor activity, our editor also loved that these frames are easy to dry off while kayaking.

They may be a bit big for smaller faces.

UV protection should be your number one concern when shopping for sunglasses to protect your eyes, which is why the Merak frames from Covry are our top pick for UV protection. These frames offer full protection against UVA and UVB rays, and their large dark lenses also help to keep out excess sunlight, which we loved during regular everyday wear. Moreover, these frames have a fashionable, chunky construction, which is great for blocking out excess sunlight.

Not all sunglasses work for every face, however, which was the case with these frames. We found that the sunglasses work best on a lower nose bridge and may not be as effective or protective against the sun on other nose types.

While UV protection should be your top priority when shopping for sunglasses to protect your eyes, polarization should also be near the top of your list. Polarized lenses are great for providing a clearer picture and reducing potential eye strain. During testing, the gradient lens on these shades was great for protecting our eyes from the sun. Though we chose the extra-dark top option, these frames are available in 12 colors if you prefer a lighter lens. Dr. Zhu also recommends a gradient tint for shifting weather or lower light and driving, as it protects your eyes while allowing you to see the dashboard. When we tried them ourselves, we loved that the Heather frames had a secure fit that required no adjusting during the day.

We like that these lenses have a nice heft that makes them feel high-quality, but their weight may become a little heavy during extended wear.

When it comes to quality, foldable sunglasses aren't always the most dependable, but these shades from Persol are built to last. Both the arms and the bridge fold and unfold easily. When folded, the sunglasses fit in the palm of your hand, making them an ideal choice for anyone who travels regularly and likes to carry minimal luggage. They also come with a hard-shell case to keep them safe in your bag.

We found it took a bit of effort to lock the arms into place, but once they were in the right position, the arms were sturdy enough for all-day wear. They were effective at blocking light, and we thought they struck a good balance between tint and the ability to see clearly, even when it was cloudy outside. The lenses are also polarized.

If you're looking for a stylish pair of shades to take with you on the go, the portability of these sunglasses is hard to beat. Persol recommends the pilot shape of these sunglasses for people with round, oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. Additionally, the high bridge is most fitting if your nose bridge is higher than your pupils.

Although we liked the style of these sunglasses, as with all sunglasses, whether or not you like the design comes down to your personal preferences and face shape.

Protecting your eyes from the sun is critical if you play outdoor sports, but it's challenging to find a lightweight pair of sunglasses that also stays on your face during physical activity. Knockaround Premiums are designed with sports in mind, and during our testing, we found they passed the test when it came to sun protection, comfort, and fit.

The polycarbonate frames feel almost nonexistent, even if you wear them for long periods of time. But despite the lightweight materials, the sunglasses stay in place thanks to their rubberized nose pads and snug-fitting arms. The glasses also did a great job of blocking sunlight and glare, making them a good choice for long tennis or pickleball matches on sunny courts. The glasses are black-on-black, with a classic design that is intended for all face shapes.

Our only complaint is that the arms might be a little bit too tight, so keep that in mind if you have a larger head or prefer a looser fit. That minor complaint aside, these sunglasses are hard to beat if you need a sporty pair at a bargain price.

Sun isn’t the only thing to look out for while outside. Wind can also be a major hazard during outdoor activities, and we thought the Illesteva Wilson frames did a great job of protecting eyes against irritating gusts. While they’re a trendy rectangular shape, they’re 145mm wide, which offers plenty of coverage against wind and excess sunlight. Made with thick acetate, the frames are capable of standing up to windy environments and keeping eyes protected. We liked the thick acetate frames for their sturdiness for all-day wear, but they can get a little tight behind the ears and are only available in one size.

They’re not polarized, but we found that they were great at blocking out excess sun and keeping eyes protected while moving from sunny to shady areas. Plus, they’re available in 17 frame and lens color combinations to pick just the right shade for your outdoor activity.

They’re only available in one size and they may be a little tight.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially on the water or exercising, you’ll want something lightweight. During testing, we loved that the Rheos Faris sunglasses were so lightweight, we almost couldn’t feel them. The brand notes that their sunglasses are made with a lighter frame in mind, with their glasses weighing in at up to 30% less than many other frames. While this lighter weight makes them great for swimming or boating—since they’re light enough to float—we did think that the lighter construction made them feel a little cheaper than their $65 price point. But we agreed that while they felt lightweight, they never felt flimsy.

In addition to their light construction, we also loved that these sunglasses are large, which is great for maximum protection from excess sun and wind. While the lenses are polarized, they’re light enough that they transition easily between shifting sunlight on inconsistent weather days.

Though they're well-made, the frame feels a little cheap because they're so lightweight.

If you’re looking to invest in high-quality sunglasses, a case will keep them protected on the go. We loved the style of the Randolph Elinor Fusion frames, but we especially liked that they came with both a microfiber soft case and a magnetic hard case. The cases also come in handy because these frames are on the expensive side so protecting your investment is that much more important.

These shades were one of our favorites for style. With polarized lenses, they’re available in seven frame and lens combinations to pick just the right shade for you. The Randolph Elinor Fusion is similar to an aviator-style lens, with plenty of style and coverage thanks to their large lenses. We also liked that the frames had adjustable nose pieces, which helped us feel like we never had to adjust these while wearing them. They’re also comfortable for all-day wear, but they’re only available in one size that might not be as comfortable for larger faces.

These are one of the most expensive pairs we tested.

Health / Alessandra Amodio

Randolph USA Matte Chrome Aviators prove you don't have to sacrifice style for sun protection, quality, and comfort. The classic aviator design is updated with lens technology that blocks harmful UV rays and protects against eye fatigue. We used them while driving and walking in sunny conditions and were impressed with the level of protection.

The price of these sunglasses is on the higher end of our list, but after trying them out, we feel they are worth every penny. The quality of the frames and lenses was evident right out of the box, and they are designed to last a lifetime. At first, we weren't sure what to think about the bayonet arm style, which is designed with headgear in mind, but after trying it out, we were sold both in terms of style and comfort.

Although they're a good pick for anyone, if you're a pilot or professional driver, we highly recommend these sunglasses. The green lenses do an amazing job of retaining accurate color contrast, and the anti-reflective lens technology protects you from eye fatigue, even on long flights or drives. They also come with a microfiber pouch and high-quality hard case to keep them safe while you travel.

They're not designed for use during physical activity.

To find the best sunglasses to protect your eyes, we tested nearly 40 pairs of sunglasses over a two-week period, wearing the pairs at least seven times. After testing sunglasses at a variety of price points, we determined whether the sunglasses seemed worth their price as our final metric.

During testing, we had input from Derek Lin, OD, optometrist at Park Slope Eye. We also spoke with experts to learn more about what shoppers should look for when buying sunglasses to protect eyes, including:

Look for sunglasses with 100% UV protection or UV400 protection when choosing sunglasses. Ultraviolet rays are a form of radiation emitted by the sun and some artificial sources at three levels: ultraviolet A, B, and C. Ultraviolet A is not absorbed by the ozone layer, and ultraviolet B is only partially absorbed, so you may see sunglass labels that call out specific UVA and UVB protection. UV rays of all types affect our eyes in negative ways. Sunglasses mitigate this damage by reflecting UV rays away from the eyes.

Victor Paul, OD, optometrist at DeCesare Eye Associates, notes that UV rays can cause common ocular surface growths, including pinguecula and pterygia. They may also accelerate the progression of cataracts, which can decrease vision quality. UV rays can also cause solar retinopathy through too much direct interaction.

Dr. Paul notes that polarized glasses are better for water—and snow-based activities because they help deflect rays that bounce off these surfaces while protecting your eyes. While UV should be your top priority when shopping for sunglasses, polarized lenses can also reduce UV rays from any direction and help protect your eyes.

According to Dr. Zhu, the larger the frame size, the better. This is because sunglasses also protect the skin around your eyes. Zhu suggests looking for oversized or wraparound sunglasses for maximum protection.

If you’re worried that sunglasses have to be unfashionable sport wraparounds to protect your eyes, fear not: Dr. Paul and Dr. Dello Russo note that almost any frame shape will keep eyes protected and you have the all-clear to shop based on personal style. Many of the frames we tested feature thick arms and wide lenses for maximum protection.

Like eyeglasses, sunglasses should be comfortable enough to wear for long periods without pinching or rubbing behind the ears or on the nose. You’ll also want to choose sunglasses that have large lenses for maximum sun and wind protection.

Your first instinct when looking for sunglasses to protect your eyes might be to pick the darkest lenses available, but this might actually be doing more damage to your eyes than you realize. According to Dr. Paul, dark lenses may actually dilate the eyes more, allowing more sunlight to enter the pupil instead of reflecting it away. However, if your dark lenses offer 100% UV protection, then you should be safe. Dagny Zhu, MD, a Harvard-trained specialist in cornea, cataract, and laser refractive surgery and a surgeon with Nvision Eye Centers, recommends lighter or gradient tints for lower light or shifting conditions.

Many of the sunglasses we tested are available in a variety of lens colors, so think about the activity you’ll be wearing sunglasses for when choosing a color. Amber and brown lenses are good for reducing glare on cloudy days, and yellow or orange lenses work well for lower light conditions, according to Dr. Paul. Dr. Zhu adds that brown or rose-colored lenses offer more contrast while outdoors, which can be helpful for athletes. According to Dr. Lin, you can tell a pair of sunglasses is sufficiently tinted just by looking in the mirror. Your lenses are the right tint if you can’t see your eyes in the mirror. Dr. Zhu notes that polarized and mirrored coatings are best for outdoor sports, and a medium tint is great for everyday wear.

Though these sunglasses didn't meet our expectations, they may still be of interest to you:

Jaylyn Pruitt is a health and wellness writer covering sleep and skin care. She has a Master of Library and Information Science degree focusing on health information. She loves Quay sunglasses for any outdoor activity.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UV radiation.