Can Sunglasses Expire? 
Lucky for you, it may be high time for a new pair of shades!
We’re surrounded by things with expiration dates, from the food in our fridge to the moisturizer we put on our face at night. Over time, the lightbulbs in our lamps go out and the paint on our houses fade. But what about your sunglasses? Do they have a shelf life?
Can Sunglasses Expire?
There are two kinds of people in this world: those that buy a new pair of sunglasses every year, maybe even several pairs, and those that find one good pair that they love and try to make them last. If you are part of the second group, you may want to listen up.
A study was recently conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil to see if sunglasses lost their UV-blocking power over time. As it turns out, everyday wear and tear of sunglasses–like throwing them in your bag without a case or accidentally dropping them on the ground–can cause scratches on the lenses that may be gradually diminishing their efficacy.
While this is an interesting finding, there is a lot more research needed to fully understand exactly how long sunglasses can last and what their “expiration date” may be. For now, we recommend that you continue to take good care of your sunglasses while you have them, and don’t hesitate to get a new pair every year or two. Not only will you always be in style, but you can be sure your eyes are properly protected from the sun!
Remember These Tips When Buying Sunglasses
Not all sunglasses are created equal. Some look stylish, but may not provide the same amount of protection as another pair. When you do buy a new pair of shades, you want to make sure they are serving their purpose, which is to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays!
Here are some tips to remember when buying sunglasses:
- Make sure they block 99 to 100 percent of UV light or have “UV absorption up to 400nm” on the label.
- Larger frames and wraparound styles are great at protecting your eyes from many different angles.
- Remember that the color and darkness of the lens doesn’t affect how well it protects you from UV rays. However, darker lenses can be more useful in very bright conditions.
- Polarized lenses don’t block UV light, but are great for reducing glare and improving visibility.
We Have Just What You’re Looking For!
Each Vision Source® member practice has a variety of different styles and brands of sunglasses to choose from. Give them a call and see for yourself! It would be a pleasure to help you find the perfect pair of shades for your style and personality.