Why sunglasses keep your eyes safe

Hi! Sunglasses are like hats for your eyes. They help in three big ways:

1. They make bright sun easier to see. When the sun is very bright, sunglasses stop the glare so you don’t have to squint. Squinting can make your eyes tired.
2. They block invisible sun rays called UV. UV rays can hurt your eyes slowly, kind of like a tiny sunburn. Good sunglasses stop those rays and keep your eyes healthy.
3. They keep wind, sand, and dust out of your eyes. That helps your eyes stay comfy and safe when you play outside.

When to wear sunglasses

• On sunny days outside
• At the beach or by water, and in snow (the sun bounces off these surfaces)
• When the sun is low and bright in the morning or evening

How to pick and take care of sunglasses

• Ask a grown-up to buy sunglasses that say '100% UV' or 'UV400' — that means they block the bad rays.
• Choose ones that fit your face and feel comfy. Wrap-around frames help keep things out of your eyes.
• Keep them in a case so they don’t get scratched.
• Never look straight at the sun, even with sunglasses — it can still hurt your eyes.

Tip: Wearing a hat plus sunglasses gives extra protection. Now you can play in the warm sun and keep your eyes happy and safe!