Our Professionals Shed Some Light on the Tiny Glasses Trend

They’re everywhere. All the stars are wearing them. There’s no question about it: tiny sunglasses have taken over. The shift toward smaller glasses, for both sunnies and prescription eyewear, started several months ago and solidified just in time for summer. Regardless of their shape, what matters is their very small size. Inspired by the 90s, these sunglasses are definitely on trend, but the question remains: do they fulfill their main purpose of properly shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays? 

Our professionals have decided to shed some light on the matter so you can make an informed decision.

While some hate this style of eyewear for purely aesthetic reasons, others question the capacity of tiny glasses to properly shield the eyes from UV rays. Remember that whatever the season, it’s important to protect your eyes from the sun, just like you protect your face using sunscreen. They go hand in hand.

Generally speaking, if your eyewear doesn’t completely cover your eyes, it can’t protect them properly. The sunlight can get in around the glasses and reach your cornea, even more so when you wear them on the tip of your nose, which seems to be the current trend. Even lead fashionista Maripier Morin admits on her blog that the glasses are a purely aesthetic choice and won’t protect you much from the sun.

1- @2epeau	2- @alanisdesilets	3- @marinabastarache	4- @sarahcouture

It’s a well-known fact that UV rays can damage your eyes and skin. Although people with green or blue eyes are more susceptible to certain eye diseases, it’s important for everyone to avoid overexposure to the sun, regardless of skin or eye colour.

Although radiation levels are three times higher in the summer than in the winter, surfaces that reflect sunlight―like water, snow, ice, and sand―can magnify their effects. Without protection, the sun can cause painful corneal injuries like photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis―kind of like a sunburn to your eyes. The long-term effects of overexposure to UV rays can cause a host of vision problems, including macular degeneration, which can lead to blindness. Exposure to sunlight also increases your risk of developing cataracts.

It’s also important not to neglect the generally thin and quite sensitive skin around your eyes, which needs to be protected by your sunglasses. Note that glasses with darker lenses don’t necessarily protect you better: the colour and tint are fashion choices, whereas the quality of the lenses determines their effectiveness.

At Opto-Réseau, we enjoy following trends, but not at the expense of your eye health. Choose a trend that suits you AND protects your long-term eye health. Visit your Opto-Réseau clinic to find the perfect frame for your face shape. And keep the tiny sunglasses for the pictures!