But actually, this is why you need to wear sunglasses

As skincare-obsessed millennials, we’re all well aware of the importance of sun protection. And while our interest may have, admittedly, been vanity-driven at first (*I want to be forever young*), we’re smart enough to recognize premature wrinkles and trendy sunglasses are not the biggest players in wanting to protect yourself against potentially dangerous UV light.

Premature ageing and sun-caused damage aside, it’s actually really important to wear sunglasses for your overall eye health. According to a 2014 study from The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UV radiation can damage proteins in the eye, which, in turn, raises the risk of cataracts and impaired vision.

Furthermore, in addition to your sunburnt skin, your eyes can similarly experience a sunburn. Known as photokeratitis, the condition is often painful and can cause blurry vision, swelling, and redness, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

To protect your eyes from the sun, experts recommend shopping for sunglasses that offer 99-to-100% of UVA and UVB protection. And while the colour of the lens itself is not of huge importance (pink, black, brown, or otherwise), they need to offer broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection.

For stylish sunnies that will, most importantly, protect your eyes, shop our picks below.