Sunglasses are more than fashion accessories. They were made to protect the eyes from the elements and keep them healthy. Unfortunately, some people don't believe this. Even worse, some think sunglasses cause more harm than good, courtesy of fake news. Fake news is everywhere these days, but it's now extending into the realms of sunglasses.

A post shared by instagram

Social media posts about sunglasses' false impact on skin cancer have been circulating on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These videos claim sunglasses "block the light from signaling to our eyes that our body needs to react to incoming sunlight damage." Thus, they conclude that wearing sunglasses can harm the skin and eyes. Eye experts have come to the rescue and debunked these claims, stating that properly designed eyewear can prevent sun damage.

Sunglasses provide UV protection for the eyes.

UV rays from the sun are one of the main culprits in eye damage. These change your eyes' lens proteins, potentially resulting in cataract formation, worsening eyesight, or vision loss in the future. Given this, correctly designed sunglasses from reliable brands can protect you from harmful UV rays, keeping your eyes in optimal health. Ray-Ban's sunglasses offer legendary styles and 100% UVA and UVB protection—the highest level of protection available. The Original Wayfarer Classics, for instance, have lenses big enough to protect your eyes from the sun. Meanwhile, the RB3719 has adjustable nose pads that allow you to position the sunglasses properly to shield your eyes.

Sunglasses protect the skin around your eye area.

Aside from affecting the eyes, UV exposure can contribute to skin cancer development. This can damage the DNA in your skin cells, causing them to grow out of control. Luckily, sunglasses can protect the skin around your eyes, especially oversized sunglasses designs. Thanks to their size, these can cover the skin surrounding your eye area, including your eyelids. Colors in Optics' legendary Stutz sunglasses have an oversized design that can guarantee maximum UV protection for the sensitive skin around your eyes. After all, your eyelids and under eyes have the thinnest skin.

Sunglasses shield the eyes and eyelid from debris.

In addition to UV exposure, eye injuries may increase your risk of eyelid cancer. Such injuries can be caused by dirt, debris, and foreign elements that can fly into and hit your eyes. Although rare, swollen eyelids due to these may be a sign of sebaceous carcinoma. This is a rare, aggressive type of skin cancer that typically begins on the eyelid. Sunglasses—especially those with durable lenses—can protect your eyelids and eyes from potential cuts and infections. Maui Jim's Stone Shack sunglasses' lenses have durable glass construction to deflect debris that can hit your eyes, like gravel, sand, or leaves. Wearing these prevents eye infections that can turn serious over time.

Sunglasses can help prevent dry eyes.

When your eyes don't have enough moisture, they're more prone to infections and diseases. Without lubrication, your eyes' surface is more vulnerable to scratches and abrasions where bacteria can enter or reside. Moreover, severe dry eyes may lead to inflammation, corneal ulcers, and vision loss. Wearing shield-style sunglasses can prevent the wind from further drying your eyes out, as they cover the sides of your eyes, too. Oakley's Sutro and Jawbreaker models have wraparound designs, preserving your eyes' moisture. These not only increase your comfort but also ensure that you prevent getting infections that lead to worse eye conditions.

Sunglasses weren't made for aesthetics alone. These also protect your eyes and skin from diseases—like cancer—so make sure not to believe viral posts by strangers online.