During the three years I've lived in Australia, I've spent a lot of time wearing Sunglasses (or, as they're more commonly known in Australia, Sunnies). Even in the winter here, it's often very bright and sunny (even if the air is cool). In the summer, it gets really bright and sunny. Sunglasses – well, that's what they're for isn't it, wearing in the sunshine?
The more I've found out about Paleo, the more I question other aspects of my life, sunglasses being one such example.
Whilst early examples of sunglasses have been seen as far back at the 12th century, they didn't become common until the early 1900's. That's not even five generations ago. Whilst correlation is certainly not causation, it is interesting to note that 25-35% of people of a European descent have Myopia (short sightedness) today, whereas a study of hunter gather tribes revealed Myopia in just 0.4% of the population (1) As well as diet, could widespread use of sunglasses be responsible for the widespread decline in eyesight?
Some estimates suggest Indigenous Australians have been here for up to 70,000 years, surviving for 69,900 without needing sunglasses? Why are they now they essential for optical health?
Sunlight entering the eyes takes two courses – one for vision, the other goes to the hypothalamus gland. This pathway seems to have a crucial role in the body clock, energy and hormone production (including melatonin). It would make sense for the body to use this pathway to regulate circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms ensure sleep and wake cycles occur properly, and that the body is in tune with seasonality. Therefore doesn't it stands to reason that wearing sunglasses, and reducing the sunlight entering your eyes, will impact these functions?
This would tie in with anecdotal observations I've heard that when not wearing sunglasses, people get less sunburnt, then when they do wear sunglasses. Perhaps wearing sunglasses also leads to people staying out in the sun for longer than they would without sunglasses?
In the spirit of n=1 self experimentation, I'm going to wean off the sunglasses this summer and see what (if any) impact it has on me. Will my new found improvements in my sleeping patterns improve further still? Will my eyesight improve?
I'll report back in a future post any differences I've noticed.
Do you wear sunglasses? Do you think it is foolish not to wear sunglasses throughout the Australian Summer? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, below!
Is Sunlight Really the Enemy? Rethinking Sunglasses in a Paleo Lifestyle
In the Paleo community, one of the most powerful shifts is learning to view modern habits through an ancestral lens. We question food, movement, light exposure, and even the ways we sleep and connect. So it makes perfect sense to challenge another modern “norm” — wearing sunglasses.
Mainstream advice insists sunglasses are essential in strong sunlight, particularly in places like Australia where UV levels are high year-round. We’re told sunglasses prevent eye damage, protect from UV rays, and reduce the risk of cataracts. But are we missing a broader conversation here? Might sunglasses — like sunscreen, artificial lighting, and processed food — be yet another modern “solution” with unintended consequences?
The Circadian Link: Light, Eyes & Health
Emerging research suggests that full-spectrum sunlight, including early morning sun exposure, plays a critical role in regulating our circadian rhythm — the internal body clock that affects everything from our sleep cycles and hormone production to metabolism and energy levels.
Light signals received by our eyes (specifically the non-visual retinal pathway to the hypothalamus) help regulate melatonin production. Morning light exposure suppresses melatonin (helping us wake up), while dimmer light in the evening allows melatonin to rise (helping us fall asleep).
Blocking that natural light with sunglasses may disrupt this process — particularly when used constantly, even when UV levels are low. Could that daily habit of reaching for your sunnies the moment you leave the house be silently affecting your energy, sleep, and hormone balance?
What If the Sun Isn’t the Enemy?
We’re told to fear the sun, but sunlight is also our most natural source of vitamin D, a hormone with a critical role in immune function, inflammation regulation, and mood. It's estimated that 30–50% of Australians are deficient in vitamin D — despite our sunny climate.
While sunglasses don’t block vitamin D production (which occurs through skin exposure), their use may influence how long we stay in the sun. If your eyes are shaded, your brain may receive fewer warning signals about brightness and potential overexposure — meaning you stay out longer than your skin would naturally tolerate.
Additionally, there’s speculation that sunlight hitting the eyes may influence skin tolerance and tanning response. This ties into anecdotal reports of people burning more easily when they wear sunglasses.
So Should We Ditch the Sunnies?
The answer might lie in balance. This isn’t about being anti-sunglasses — but about being intentional in how and when you use them. Instead of reaching for them reflexively, try this:
Get early morning sunlight directly into your eyes (without looking directly at the sun) for 5–10 minutes — a powerful circadian cue.
Reserve sunglasses for high-glare situations like driving, long beach days, or on the water where reflected UV is intense.
Build sun tolerance gradually by spending short periods outside without sunglasses during safe UV times.
Choose sunglasses wisely — overly dark lenses can signal your brain that it’s dim out, potentially throwing off your internal light clock even more than necessary.
Your Eyes Were Designed for Sunlight
Our ancestors didn’t have sunglasses — yet they thrived under the sun. It’s worth asking if modern eye issues are the result of sun exposure itself — or the combination of too little natural light, too much artificial light, and other dietary and lifestyle factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, and seed oil consumption.
In an evolutionary context, we might argue that moderate, intelligent sun exposure without sunglasses could actually support long-term eye health, not harm it.
Try It for Yourself: Your Own Sunglasses Experiment
Just like switching to a Paleo diet, going sunglass-free takes time. You may feel more sensitive to light initially — just as your body had to adapt to burning fat for fuel. Gradually increase your light exposure and pay attention to changes in:
As always, listen to your body — and use common sense. If you’re driving into the afternoon sun, wear your sunnies. If you’re out at sunrise for a walk? Maybe leave them behind.
Have you tried reducing your reliance on sunglasses? Did it impact your sleep, energy, or skin response to the sun? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below — I'd love to hear your take.
Let’s rethink the way we view sunlight — and what our eyes might really need.
