ORIGINAL PAPER
Sunglasses use, UV protection, and knowledge of UV radiation among adults in Poland: a cross-sectional study
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1
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland
(Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum)
2
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland
(National Centre for Health Policy and Health Inequalities)
3
Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
(Department of Ophthalmology)
4
Łazarski University, Warsaw, Poland
(Faculty of Medicine)
5
VIZJA University, Warsaw, Poland
6
Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
(School of Public Health)
7
Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
(Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences)
Online publication date: 2026-09-15
Corresponding author
Radosław Sierpiński
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, National Centre for Health Policy and Health Inequalities, Dewajtis 5, 01‑815 Warsaw, Poland
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sunglasses use was low during cloudy spring and summer days.
- Only 44.2% respondents used sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection.
- Nearly half respondents believed darker lenses provide better UV protection.
- Older age, higher education, and eye disease were associated with UV protection use.
- Targeted UV eye protection education campaigns are urgently needed.
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVR) is an environmental risk factor for several ocular conditions. This study aimed to assess sunglasses
use patterns and awareness of UV-related eye health risks, as well as to identify sociodemographic factors associated with sunglasses use among
adults in Poland. Material and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in March 13–17, 2026 among 1090 adults in Poland.
Data were collected using the computer-assisted web interview technique. A quota-based sample was used. Sunglasses use, UV protection, outdoor exposure, knowledge of UVR, and barriers to use were assessed. Results: Frequent sunglasses use was reported by 58.5% of respondents on sunny
spring/summer days, but only by 23.5% on cloudy spring/summer days. Less than half of respondents (44.2%) declared using sunglasses with
UV protection, while 22.3% did not know whether their sunglasses provided such protection. Overall knowledge of UVR was relatively good, although
47.2% incorrectly believed that darker lenses provide better UV protection. In multivariable logistic regression, female gender (adjusted odds
ratio [aOR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41–2.34, p < 0.001), occupational activity (aOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.35–2.52, p < 0.001), living in
cities <20 000 residents (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.04–2.35, p = 0.03), and having a doctor-diagnosed eye condition (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.11–1.90,
p = 0.007) were significantly associated with frequent sunglasses use on sunny days during spring and summer. Older age (40–49 years: aOR = 1.71,
95% CI: 1.08–2.72, p = 0.02; 50–59 years: aOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.22–3.05, p = 0.005), higher education (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.15–1.94, p = 0.002),
occupational activity (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.28–2.51, p < 0.001), living in the largest cities (≥500 000 residents: aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.20–2.68,
p = 0.005), and having a doctor-diagnosed eye condition (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.28–2.17, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the use of sunglasses
with UV protection. Conclusions: Sunglasses use among adults in Poland is insufficient, particularly under cloudy conditions, and misconceptions
regarding UV protection remain common. These findings indicate the need for targeted public health interventions to improve awareness
and promote appropriate UV eye protection. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2026;39(4)