Last Updated on August 27, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that wearing sunglass causes skin burns. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False. Evidence shows that wearing sunglasses can cause skin burns; however, this is not due to the mechanism explained in the claim.
The Claim
A Facebook post recommends people stop wearing sunglasses as wearing them can burn the skin. The speaker claims that during a sunny day, our eyes keep track of how strong the sun is. They tell our brain about it, and our brain decides how our skin should react to the sun. If it’s really hot and sunny, the brain tells our skin to be extra careful by closing its tiny receptors so we don’t get easily burned. But if we wear sunglasses and go outside, our eyes tell the brain that the sun isn’t super strong because the sunglasses block some of its power.’
Fact Check
Does wearing sunglass cause skin burns?
Yes, it is possible for wearing sunglasses to result in skin burns, although it is relatively rare. This phenomenon is known as sunglass dermatitis or photosensitivity dermatitis. It can occur when certain types of sunglasses, especially those with metal frames, reflect sunlight onto the skin, causing localized burns or irritation. This is more likely to happen in situations where sunlight is particularly intense, such as in snowy environments or near reflective surfaces like water.
Dr Aftab Alam, Ophthalmologist informs, “Wearing sunglasses by itself is generally not a cause of skin burns. However, several factors related to both sunglasses and sun exposure should be taken into account. While sunglasses are primarily designed to shield the eyes from harmful UV rays, they often leave the skin around the eyes susceptible to sun exposure. Extended periods of direct sunlight without adequate protection can result in sunburn on the exposed facial areas. Furthermore, reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow can intensify overall sun exposure, increasing the risk of skin burns. While not exactly equivalent to burns, overexposure to UV rays, particularly from direct sunlight, can lead to a condition known as photokeratitis, often referred to as sunburn of the eyes. This condition manifests as redness, tearing, and discomfort in the eyes. Wearing sunglasses with proper UV protection can assist in preventing photokeratitis. It’s worth noting that cheap sunglasses might lack sufficient UV shielding, potentially jeopardizing both eye health and the delicate skin around the eyes. While sunglasses themselves are not responsible for heat-related skin issues, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to problems like heat rash or sunstroke. While wearing sunglasses is good to safeguard the eyes from UV damage, it is crucial to prioritize comprehensive sun protection to prevent sunburn and related skin problems.”
Does wearing sunglasses lead to sunburn due to the claimed mechanism?
No. The mechanism described in the Facebook post seems to be a bit oversimplified and not entirely accurate. While sunglasses do indeed block some of the sun’s rays from reaching the eyes, there’s more to sunburn prevention than just the eyes’ response to sunlight.
Eyes’ reaction to sunlight: The eyes’ ability to perceive the intensity of sunlight does not directly influence the skin’s response to UV radiation. The eyes and skin are separate systems that respond differently to sunlight. The pupils in the eyes adjust to regulate the amount of light that enters. But this is mainly related to vision and not directly tied to skin protection.
Skin’s sunburn response: Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily UVB rays, from the sun. This radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, leading to inflammation and redness. The skin’s ability to protect itself from sunburn is determined by factors such as skin type (fair skin is more sensitive), duration and intensity of sun exposure, and the use of protective measures like sunscreen, clothing, and sunglasses.
Sunglasses and sunburn: Sunglasses do reduce the amount of UV radiation that enters the eyes. No evidence shows that they significantly impact the skin’s susceptibility to sunburn. The skin’s response to UV radiation is largely determined by its own sensitivity and the extent of direct exposure to the sun’s rays.
Skin’s natural defense mechanisms: The skin has its own defense mechanisms against sunburn. When exposed to sunlight, the skin’s melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that provides some natural protection against UV radiation by absorbing and scattering the rays. However, this natural protection is often insufficient to prevent sunburn during prolonged or intense sun exposure.
In conclusion, the claim that wearing sunglasses leads to sunburn due to the described mechanism is not accurate. Sunglasses can provide eye protection by reducing the amount of UV radiation entering the eyes. But they do not play a significant role in determining the skin’s vulnerability to sunburn. Protecting the skin from sunburn requires proper use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure, especially during peak sunlight hours.
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