For individuals with light sensitivity, finding an ideal pair of sunglasses can seem like a bit of a mission. After all, sunglasses are more than a statement of style and taste, they’re an everyday essential. Whether you’re dealing with photophobia, recovering from eye surgery, or simply prone to eye strain in bright environments, choosing the right sunglasses can dramatically improve your comfort and quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the eyewear features that are key, from lens colour and frame design to UV protection and polarisation. We’ll highlight the best frame and lens options available to shield your sensitive eyes while keeping you looking effortlessly stylish.
Why do some people have sensitive eyes?
Light sensitivity, medically known as photophobia, is a condition where the eyes experience discomfort or pain in response to light, whether it’s natural sunlight, indoor lighting, or even digital screens. It’s not a disease but rather a symptom linked to various underlying causes such as migraines, dry eyes, eye allergies and some medications. Light sensitivity can be intensified by inflammation or damage to the surface of the eye, such as conjunctivitis, or corneal conditions. It may also stem from eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or problems affecting the retina.
How does wearing sunglasses help light sensitivity?
For those with photophobia, bright environments can trigger squinting, watering eyes, headaches, or even nausea, making everyday activities challenging without proper eye protection. Understanding the causes and managing light exposure and glare with the use of specific types of sunglasses, can provide significant relief and improve overall visual comfort. In addition to wearing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to shield your eyes from bright sunlight.
Other ways to relieve symptoms:
When you’re indoors, try to reduce the amount of artificial lighting, especially harsh fluorescent lights. We would also advice that you minimise your time in front of digital screens and take regular breaks to rest your eyes and prevent digital eye strain. If your sensitivity persists, it’s a good idea to book an eye test with an optician or optometrist. They can give you personalised recommendations on eyewear and other ways to manage photophobia effectively.
What are the best sunglasses for light sensitivity?
The right choice of sunglasses is very important for light-sensitive wearers. Discover some of the best options for protecting your sensitive eyes:
UV protection
It might sound obvious, but if you have a sensitivity to bright light, UV-blocking sunglasses are essential because harmful ultraviolet rays can worsen discomfort and increase the risk of long-term eye damage. Prolonged UV exposure can irritate already sensitive eyes and contribute to conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts and snow blindness. The best sunglasses are those with a UV400 rating, which means they block light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, including UVA and UVB rays. At Glasses Direct, all of our sunglasses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection and have a UV400 rating. They shield your eyes, helping to reduce irritation and maintain overall eye health.
Polarised sunglasses
Do you find yourself constantly squinting in the sun? Polarised sunglasses are an excellent solution for sensitive eyes because they block horizontal glare from reflective surfaces like water, wet roads, glass and snow, which can be especially harsh for those with light sensitivity. By filtering out this intense light, polarised lenses help minimise eye strain, improve visual clarity and provide a more comfortable viewing experience, making them ideal for bright, high-glare environments like outdoor sports and daytime driving.
Dark sunglass tints
Sensitive eyes can react strongly to bright or intense visible light, leading to discomfort, wateriness, or even headaches. If you’re a light-sensitive wearer, we’d recommend choosing a dark lens colour. Darker tints provide enhanced comfort and protection, especially on bright, sunny days. While UV protection guards against harmful light rays, visible light, like glare or high brightness, can still lead to eye strain. Using darker or specially tinted lenses helps reduce this sensitivity, making outdoor and well-lit environments more comfortable.
Grey tints are a top choice for daily use because they shield your eyes from bright light without altering how you perceive colours, so you can enjoy a natural visual experience. Brown and amber-tinted lenses, meanwhile, are ideal for enhancing contrast and depth perception. They provide a warmer visual tone, making them ideal for sensitive eyes during outdoor activities like driving, golf, or hiking. Green lenses also work well, offering good contrast and colour accuracy, especially in variable light conditions.
Don’t forget, when choosing the lens colour for your sunglasses, it’s just as important that you consider your lifestyle and preferences as it is your eye health.
Transitions® XTRActive® lenses
If you’re looking for a convenient solution for your busy lifestyle, Transitions® XTRActive® lenses are the answer. They offer the ultimate convenience. Responding quickly to changing light, they transition seamlessly from fully clear glasses to sunglasses, protecting you from harsh glare and UV rays.
Designed specifically for light-sensitive eyes, they go extra dark in bright sunlight and behind the windshield of your car. Transitions® XTRActive® lenses also filter blue light in bright sun and environments where you’re exposed to digital screens or under artificial lighting, which can trigger eye strain headaches and visual discomfort. Their ability to darken indoors under intense artificial light also makes them ideal for those who experience discomfort in both natural and indoor environments, delivering all-day relief and visual comfort.
Wraparound sports sunglasses
Sunglasses with a dynamic, wraparound design offer maximum coverage, shielding your eyes from sunlight, glare and wind from all angles. Consider dynamic styles from Oakley and Harrington Sport. Their curved design helps block peripheral light that can sneak in from the sides, enhancing overall sun protection and reducing eye strain. This makes them especially effective in bright outdoor environments, providing a more comfortable and secure fit for all-day wear. If you prefer alternative styles, large sunglasses, of any shape, with their prominent angles, will also do the trick when it comes to protecting your eyes from the sun.
Recommended sunglasses for light-sensitive eyes
Sunglasses that offer more coverage are the way to go when it comes to sensitive eyes. As mentioned, wraparound and oversized frames are great because they block light from the sides as well as the front, giving your eyes extra protection. Styles with thicker arms that fit over your ears comfortably can also help shield against peripheral glare. Whether you prefer sporty, classic, or fashion-forward looks, prescription or non-prescription lenses, the key is picking a shape that functions well and covers your eyes comfortably to keep brightness at bay.
Explore this charming collection of frames. We’ve included some of our most popular styles and best-sellers, from minimal metal styles and bright pops of colour to classic designs that add a professional edge to your wardrobe.
