Should we avoid wearing sunglasses?

Wearing sunglasses is not necessarily harmful, but it is beneficial to limit their use at certain times of the day for optimal eye health and circadian rhythm regulation. Here are some key points made by Andrew Huberman regarding sunglasses use:

1. Early and Late Day Sunlight Exposure: It is advisable to avoid wearing sunglasses during the early parts of the day and later before sunset. This allows the eyes to receive low-angle sunlight, which is important for setting circadian rhythms and does not pose a high risk of eye damage like cataracts or macular degeneration 1.

2. Midday Use: Sunglasses can be used safely during the middle of the day when the sunlight is strongest and potentially harmful to the eyes. This helps protect against excessive exposure which can lead to eye health issues 1.

3. Safety and Prescription Lenses: Safety should always come first; sunglasses should be used when necessary, such as for driving directly against sunlight. Also, prescription lenses and contacts are fine since they focus light onto the retina, aiding in visual clarity without negating the benefits of light exposure 1.

4. Overall Light Exposure: Gaining exposure to bright natural light across the day is beneficial, not only for visual health but also for maintaining alertness and overall well-being. This does not necessarily need to be direct sunlight, as being in a well-lit environment also contributes to these benefits 2.

In summary, while sunglasses are beneficial during intense sunlight exposure, especially around midday, avoiding them during early morning and late afternoon can maximize the health benefits of natural light exposure, crucial for our circadian and optical health. If safety or direct sunlight exposure is a concern, then sunglasses should be used as needed.