Why Are Sunglasses Bad for Your Eyes? The Science Lucia Eyes Wants You to Know
Sunglasses are often considered essential for eye protection, but mounting research suggests that they may do more harm than good when worn daily. At Lucia Eyes, this question comes up frequently:"Why don't you sell sunglasses?"
The answer is rooted in biology, not branding. Your body runs on light—especially natural light—and interfering with that signal has far-reaching effects on your hormones, mitochondria, and overall health.
Let's explore the science.
Sunlight: Your Body's Operating System
For decades, sunlight has been villainized. UV rays have been blamed for everything from eye strain to cancer. But sunlight isn't just a source of vitamin D—it's your body's way of syncing with the world.
Dr. Jack Kruse, a neurosurgeon and researcher, notes that over 1,200 biological processes are controlled by light. These include:
- Hormone production like melatonin, cortisol, and testosterone
- Neurotransmitter release such as serotonin and dopamine
- Sleep regulation and circadian rhythm
- Mitochondrial function and energy creation
- Metabolism and immune system performance
Blocking sunlight from your eyes disrupts all of these processes.
How Sunglasses Disrupt Natural Eye Function
Sunglasses do more than dim the light—they confuse your biology. When you wear sunglasses:
- Your pupils dilate, allowing more UV light to enter than if you had no sunglasses at all.
- Your brain receives signals that it's dusk or sunset.
- Hormonal rhythms are thrown off.
This confusion can lead to delayed melatonin release, disrupted cortisol cycles, and confusion in leptin signaling, which affects appetite and energy balance. In short, your brain no longer knows what time of day it is—and your body pays the price.
Dr. Kruse calls sunglasses "endocrine disruptors" for this reason.
Are There Any Situations Where Sunglasses Are Helpful?
Yes, there are a few situations where sunglasses are warranted:
- While skiing or snowboarding in bright, reflective conditions.
- Driving directly into intense sun.
- Prolonged exposure in high UV environments like deserts or glaciers.
But for everyday wear, particularly in the morning or during regular outdoor activity, sunglasses are likely interfering with your body's natural functions.
What Sunlight Really Does for Your Health
Each part of the sunlight spectrum plays a unique role:
- Blue light in the morning triggers serotonin and cortisol for energy and alertness.
- UV-A light stimulates nitric oxide, improving circulation.
- Red and infrared light support mitochondrial energy production.
- UV-B light helps the body synthesize vitamin D and beta-endorphins.
Combined, these wavelengths activate over 5,000 genetic pathways, according to a study in Cell. Sunlight is not just light—it's biological information your body uses to thrive.
Why Lucia Eyes Doesn't Sell Sunglasses
Lucia Eyes is committed to promoting biological health through natural means. We don't sell sunglasses because we believe in empowering your body, not shielding it from what it needs to function.
Instead, we recommend:
- Exposing your eyes to morning sunlight daily.
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat if you need shade.
- Using blue light blocking glasses at night to protect from artificial light.
Nuestros productos están diseñados para trabajar con tu biología, no en tu contra.
Final Thoughts: Why Are Sunglasses Bad for Your Eyes?
If you're using sunglasses as a daily fashion accessory or perceived protection from normal daylight, the answer is yes—they may be bad for your eyes, and more importantly, for your entire hormonal and energy system.
Sunglasses are tools, not necessities. And like any tool, when misused, they can backfire.
At Lucia Eyes, our mission is to help you align with your biology, not block it. We're here to support your eye health—and your mitochondria—by encouraging natural light exposure, the way nature intended.