The Best Sunglasses for UV Protection

Keep your eyes protected and your style flawless with doctor-approved eyewear for your next sunny adventure.

01_You'll-have-a-hard-time-losing-these
via amazon.com

You’ll have a hard time losing these

If you love hitting the beach, pool, or lake but are prone to losing your favorite sunnies (hey, it happens to the best of us), you’ll be obsessed with these Rheos Sapelos Floating Sunglasses. We think they’re the best sunglasses for active, on-the-go types because the frames are designed to float instead of sink when they hit the water. Your shades will never fall victim to a rogue wave on your amazing summer beach vacation again.

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02_Fashion-lovers-will-see-longterm-benefits
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Fashion lovers will see longterm benefits

The best sunglasses offer ultraviolet protection while serving serious style, like these Chloé Myrte shades with 100 percent UV protection. “Ultraviolet (UV) protection of the eyes is so important because UV damage is cumulative and irreversible,” explains Justin Bazan, optometrist and medical adviser to The Vision Council. “Finding sunglasses with UVA/UVB protective lenses will help individuals avoid some of the awful short- and long-term effects of UV damage.”

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03_Reflecting-wisdom-all-summer-long
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Reflecting wisdom all summer long

A pair of mirrored Nike Flip sunnies offers 100 percent UV protection, streamlined lightweight frames, and gender-neutral styling just about everyone will love. According to Dr. Bazan, “It’s always best to choose a reputable brand from a reputable seller.” In this case, just do it. But before you make the purchase, make sure you brush up on the things you need to know before buying sunglasses.

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04_Everything-will-look-rosy
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Everything will look rosy

The best sunglasses help your face make a statement without putting any additional effort in, and these Coco + Carmen rose-hued Lulu Grace frames are no exception. They offer 100 percent UVA and UVB protection in fashion-forward acetate frames. They’re definitely some of the best sunglasses for those on careful budgets, too.

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05_Give-the-gift-of-protection
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Give the gift of protection

If you’re already searching for the best Father’s Day gift ideas—here are a bunch—we think a pair of TOMS Beachmaster Polarized Sunglasses deserves consideration. They’re sturdy, protective, and offer 100 percent UV protection, and the polarized lenses will tame the glare off the water.

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06_Your-new-perennial-favorites
via sunglasshut.com

Your new perennial favorites

This pair of classic black Coach sunglasses will take you through every season, offering UV protection and easy coordination with just about every outfit you own. Better yet, the sophisticated frame style is perennially popular, so you’ll be happy with your investment for years to come. Getting safe, UV-protecting sunglasses is one of the many healthy ways to prepare your body for summer.

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07_Pick-a-color,-any-color
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Pick a color, any color

You’ll feel like you hit the eyewear lottery with a new pair of Spy Optic Syndicate sunglasses. They offer fully protective lenses, a European design, comfortable acetate frames that stand up to whatever life throws your way, and several fun color options. You’ll definitely need them if you already booked summer travel plans.

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08_He'll-want-to-stock-up
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You’ll want to stock up

Surprisingly, these trendy designer sunglasses from Armani Exchange are more affordable than you might expect, and they offer all the same UV protection as more expensive versions. Get a pair in black and another in tortoise to layer with one of these sunscreens dermatologists use on themselves.

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09_The-littlest-lenses-to-make-the-biggest-impact
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The littlest lenses to make the biggest impact

If you think kids are exempt from needing protective sun wear, think again. A pair of bbluv Solar Baby & Toddler Sunglasses will keep the smallest eyes in your family safe in the biggest way. Flexible, hard-to-break frames house lenses that offer full UV protection, making them perfect for the most adventurous tots.

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10_Wear-these-for-years,-guaranteed-
via nordstrom.com

Wear these for years, guaranteed

One of the reasons Maui Jim makes the best sunglasses is their commitment to guaranteeing their lenses. If they’re damaged, just send them back to the company and they’ll fix, repair, or replace them without asking too many questions. That means you’ll probably be wearing these polarized Maui Jim Ocean shades for the next several years. No matter what pair of glasses you have, make sure you’re following these simple tips that will extend the life of your glasses.

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11_A-high-flying-choice
via bloomingdales.com

A high-flying choice

You’ll feel like the modern female lead in a Top Gun remake with a pair of protective BCBGeneration Aviator sunglasses. They offer protection, classic styling, and modern coloring. All you need is a pilot’s license now.

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12_Wrap-around-protection
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Wrap-around protection

Sure, UVA and UVB rays are harmful to delicate eyes, but the naturally-thinner skin around the eyes is often overlooked when it comes to sun protection, too. A pair of Instagram-worthy Bolle Cobalt sunglasses offers UV protective lenses and a physical wraparound barrier design to help keep nearby skin damage at bay, too. You can thank us later when you have fewer crow’s feet wrinkles than your friends.

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13_Put-a-pair-of-REKS-in-every-purse
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Put a pair of REKS in every purse

If you’re always forgetting your sunglasses and need to buy a pair for every purse just to safeguard yourself, you’re not alone, and REKS is probably right for you. The brand offers cool, UV-protective lenses with unbreakable frames at very affordable prices. They take their “unbreakable” claim pretty seriously, too.

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14_An-Earth-friendly-option
via sunski.com

An Earth-friendly option

Being eye-friendly doesn’t mean you can’t be Earth-friendly, too. The new Sunski Topeka shades are some of the best sunglasses for those who truly value the environment. They’re made of recycled plastic and offer lightweight wearability that’s ideal for anything from a day at the beach to a long bike ride through the mountains. Whichever pair you choose, make sure you’re not falling for these sunglass myths that could be ruining your eyes.

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Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Reader's Digest
Originally Published on Reader's Digest

Bryce Gruber
Bryce Gruber is an expert in gift ideas, shopping, and e-commerce. You've likely seen her work across a variety of women's lifestyle and parenting outlets and on TV shows. She lives and works in New York's Hudson Valley with her five small children.