We're Wearing These Optometrist-Approved Sunglasses All Summer Long

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There's nothing like a good pair of sunnies to add some ✨ pizzazz ✨ to a 'fit. Your favorite brands have been dropping everything from rimless Y2K styles to goggle silhouettes for days you're feeling super extra, making it easier than every to find cute sunglasses for teens.

But as much as we love a good fashion moment, it's also critical to choose the best sunglasses for proper eye protection from the sun. According to Dr. Jennifer Tsai of Line of Sight Vision, you shouldn't settle for less than 100% UV protection. Also, don't make the common mistake of thinking darker sunglasses = more UV protection. "Darker sunglasses don’t always offer more protection against UVA or UVB. It’s important to check the tag or label," says Dr. Tsai. "Contrary to popular belief, polarized sunglasses don't always provide UV protection either. They block glare, but not necessarily UV rays, so check those labels as well."

What's the verdict on wearing sunnies if you aren't sure about how much protection they offer, you ask? Dr. Andrea P. Thau, a board-certified optometrist and former president of the American Optometric Association, tells Seventeen that wearing sunglasses with zero UV ray protection is actually more harmful than not wearing sunglasses at all. “Your eyes naturally protect themselves by limiting how much light gets in. In the case of lenses with no UV protection, your pupils dilate because of the low levels of visible light so your eye allows more UV rays in than if you weren’t wearing sunglasses at all.”

And if you're not sure if your collection of sunnies makes the cut, Dr. Thau suggests bringing favorite pair with you to your annual eye appointment, and ask your optometrist to check if your lenses are offering you enough protection from UV rays. Sunglasses prevent eye diseases, halt premature wrinkling caused by squinting, and are a fantastic way to spice up an outfit, so clearly, it's time to invest in some fresh new pairs — below, the best sunglasses for teens.

Classic Aviator Sunglasses

Tom Cruise in Top Gun, anyone? Ray-Ban Aviators have been a staple sunny for years for good reason. They're a classic shape, and hints of gold in this color palette are perfect to help you tie in any gold jewelry you might be pairing with your sunglasses.

Retro 90’s Oversize Square Frame Shades

If you're looking for a way to incorporate a little more color into your wardrobe, a warm lens like this is a great baby step. These orange tinted shades are a whole retro mood, and the fact that you can snag them with Prime Shipping certainly doesn't hurt.

Vibe Check Sunglasses

You can't go wrong with a simple black pair of rectangle frames. They give off '90s energy and you can wear them with anything. Hailey Bieber is a huge fan of the LBS (Little Black Sunglasses) and so are we.

Exclusive Sunglasses

The classic rectangle shape gets a modern makeover in baby pink with a little punny flair. These sunglasses could not be more Instagram Story-worthy.

STAWPIT Pink 70s Sunglasses

Play with a more angular shape like this one if you like the look of vintage aviator frames but want to switch things up for the summer. The contrasting pink tinted lenses will spice up your accessories game.

Carson

Trendy printed sunglasses are the cool-girl secret for adding a pop of nostalgia to your look that makes a subtle difference. This is a great style to toss in your bag for every day, since it'll match with most outfits.

Vintage Square Cat Eye Sunglasses

These budget-friendly black sunnies will never go out of style. Plus, they're good for your eyes, because Dr. Tsai recommends buying sunglasses that offer more coverage around the sides and on top of your eyes, since you're exposed to sunlight from all directions outdoors.

Millie Bobby Brown Collection VO5394S Round Sunglasses

These pretty purple frames have us craving candy. They're a fun twist on the classic circular frames that you typically see in darker colors (and they're designed by Millie Bobby Brown so they have to be good).

Oversized Square Sunglasses

If you’ve ever wished that you could spend a day back in the ‘70s, these sunglasses will practically transport you to decades past. Pair with flared jeans for true vintage vibes.

Retro Vintage Narrow Cat Eye Sunglasses

UV Protection: 100%

These cat-eye sunnies are an updated take on a vintage shape, and thanks to the contrasting white and black color palette, they're an easy way to go bold with any outfit.

Rimless Sunglasses Bling Frame Round Lens

Rimless sunglasses are trending HARD, you heard it here first! These ombre frames are next-level cool, so if you're packing for a music festival like Coachella, consider these.

Vintage Polarized Sunglasses B2526 (Pink Mirrored)

These Y2K frames will add a bit of girly edge to your whole look. Match the added embellishment on the sides with white gold jewelry — Elle Woods would totally approve of the extra sparkle.

Lightweight Adult Sport Baseball Sunglasses

These aren't your dad's sunglasses. Okay, your dad actually might own a pair just like this, and he'll be happy to hear that his sunnies are cool with the ~youths~. This style is great for any activity where you might be running around or doing more high-intensity movement, and the rainbow lenses look completely sickening.

Annora Rectangular Sunglasses, Havana Pink/Brown

These polarized sunglasses are available in a darker and lighter lens that both offer 100% UV protection, so snag one pair for sunnier days and another pair for when it’s cloudier out. Whether you can see the sun or not, you still need to protect your eyes from UV rays.

VO5338S Butterfly Sunglasses

We love the larger lens here and the pop of print. Less light leaking in around the edges of your sunglasses = less unnecessary squinting.

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