Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Put on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face and neckWear sun protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possibleSeek shadeWear wrap-around sunglassesApply SPF30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen every two hours
PROTECT YOURSELF IN FIVE WAYS FROM SKIN CANCER

Sunglasses

Wear wrap-around sunglasses

Why wear sunglasses?

Eyes, like skin, can be damaged by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Repeated exposure of unprotected eyes increases the risk of cataracts, pterygium and cancer of the conjunctiva and the skin around the eyes.

Standard for sunglasses

In Australia there is a national standard for sunglasses (AS/NZ 1067:2003). There are five categories for sunglasses and fashion spectacles. Sunglasses in categories 2, 3 or 4 are recommended.

Eye protection factor

Eye protection factor (EPF) is a measure of the protection provided by sunglasses and other eyewear. EPF has a numerical rating scale from 1 to 10 used to classify how well a lens blocks UVR. Sunglasses with an EPF rating of 9 or 10 transmit almost no UVR.

When purchasing sunglasses look for:

  • sunglasses that carry a label indicating they comply with or exceed the requirements of AS/NZS 1067:2003 and are category 2, 3 or 4
  • sunglasses that absorb more than 95% UVR (or transmit less than 5 per cent UVR)
  • sunglasses rated EPF 10
  • a frame that fits closely to your face
  • wrap around style of sunglasses
Always use sunglasses in combination with other sun protection measures: shade, clothing, hat and sunscreen.

For more information about sunglasses see the ARPANSA website.