President Biden wears aviator sunglasses as he descends the stairs of Air Force One, but you never see him wearing sunglasses indoors. However, it is not unusual to see movie stars and other famous people wearing their designer sunglasses at indoor events.
Sunglasses are an accessory prevalent across all ages, races and regions of the country. While most people reach for their dark lenses because of the bright glare of the sun, other people wear their shades for more reasons than simply sun protection. Sometimes, these reasons cross the threshold into the home, workplace, shopping mall, sports arena and the doctor’s office.
It could be they want to hide deformities of their eyes or face. This can range from a temporary black eye to something more permanent. Or maybe they are wearing sunglasses indoors to hide their identity. Sunglasses can hide the shape or color of an individual’s eyes. Larger styles can also cover more extensive areas of the face.
Those wearing sunglasses inside could just be trying to look stylish or express a sense of mystery. Entire stores and websites are now devoted to multiple styles and colors of sunglasses to help their customers better express their sense of fashion.
But some people have medical reasons to wear their sunglasses both indoors and out.
Photophobia: It’s Too Bright
People have medical and psychiatric conditions in which light causes discomfort in the head or eye. Other people avoid bright lights, but don’t actually experience any pain. Both of these instances are known as photophobia.
A study examined 111 adults and 36 children who were seen at a university eye clinic and diagnosed with “photophobia.” A cause for this complaint could not be found in most of the children, but the majority of the adults did have a medical reason for their sensitivity to light. Here are some reasons why people wear sunglasses indoors:
- Dry eyes. This is likely the most prevalent cause of photophobia. Healthy eyes produce tears to lubricate the cornea, the thin tissue covering the iris and pupillary area of the eye. A lack of lubrication causes changes in the cornea’s pain fibers, which may make them sensitive to bright lights. This problem is usually easily solved with eye drops and lubricants.
- Migraine headaches. One of the classic symptoms of migraine headaches, photophobia caused by bright lights can affect migraineurs in multiple ways. Bright light or glare, like florescent light or the reflection of sun off of a car’s window, triggers between 30 and 60 percent of migraine attacks. It is easy to have filters built into your glasses to reduce glare, particularly coming from computer and cellphone screens. Many migraine sufferers retreat to a dark room, pull the curtains closed and reach for their sunglasses when they notice their migraine symptoms. Brain PET (positron emission tomography) scans, which measure blood flow and chemical activity in the brain, have shown us that the brain is more excitable during a headache, but especially at the time that the test subject complained about sensitivity to light. This means that the photophobia and photosensitivity experienced during a migraine actually stems from the brain, not the eye. Luckily, many medications are available for these type of migraine symptoms. (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007341.htm), (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21148120)
- Brain Injury. Although many visual complaints may be part of the headaches associated with a mild head injury, it is not uncommon for people who have had a concussion to complain about bright lights and problems with glare. The good news: this usually resolves within six months.
- Emotional Causes. Most eye clinics will see patients with photophobia for which no medical explanation can be found. Some patients actually fake their visual loss. The Neuroophthalmology Unit at Emory University concluded that the patients who wore sunglasses in their waiting room were associated with a 79.4% chance of having “non-organic visual loss.” That is, these patients’ loss of vision was caused by their emotional state – or they faked their complaints. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18195266)
Just as a gentleman always removes his hat while inside, sunglasses are rarely justified indoors. In fact, chronic darkness increases one’s sensitivity to light and pain. For those that don’t suffer from photophobia, it’s time to take off your shades inside – it’s not only polite, it’s also good for your eyes. That is, unless you are someone famous.
The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical conditions or treatments.
About the author
Read more posts Richard C. Senelick, M.D.NeurologistSan Antonio, TexasRichard C. Senelick M.D. is a retired physician specializing in both neurology and the subspecialty of neurorehabilitation. Dr. Senelick served as the medical director of Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in San Antonio, Texas for 30 years. He is an adjunct professor in the department of neurology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San […]
FAQs
The truth is that most people who wear sunglasses indoors aren't rock stars, but rather people who are sensitive to light. Fluorescent lights, computer screens, LEDs, or sunlight bouncing off of office buildings can be uncomfortable, irritate your eyes and cause them to water, or trigger headaches or migraine.
What does it mean when people wear sunglasses indoors? ›
Those wearing sunglasses inside could just be trying to look stylish or express a sense of mystery. Entire stores and websites are now devoted to multiple styles and colors of sunglasses to help their customers better express their sense of fashion.
Can you wear sunglasses indoors due to light sensitivity? ›
Avoid Wearing Sunglasses Indoors
It might feel good to wear sunglasses when you are inside, but the relief you feel will be brief. Wearing regular sunglasses inside can make your eyes adapt to the darkness and worsen light sensitivity problems in the long run.
Why do people wear sunglasses in psychology? ›
Sunglasses can act as a social guard, offering a sense of obscurity and detachment from others. This masking effect can lead individuals to feel more comfortable engaging in social situations as if they're observing from behind a protective barricade.
Why are sunglasses no help when we are indoors? ›
While it might look cool to some, wearing sunglasses indoors can actually be harmful to your eyes. While they cannot cause damage in and of themselves, they can cause eye fatigue. Which in turn can cause headaches, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
Is it polite to wear sunglasses indoors? ›
Forbidden Faux Pas: No-no: To wear sunglasses inside at a social gathering. (An exception is if you have a reason to wear them. My sunglasses are prescription, so occasionally, I will not have another pair with me and will need to put them on to read the menu.)
Do you know who wears sunglasses inside? ›
Dean Winchester : Hey. You know who wears sunglasses inside? Blind people. And douchebags.
How do you deal with light sensitivity indoors? ›
Avoid the use of fluorescent lighting at home. Try replacing any fluorescent lights with incandescent bulbs or warm white LEDs. Bring in as much natural light as you can, which is usually less problematic for people with photophobia. Install dimmers to control indoor lighting.
Why are my eyes sensitive to indoor light? ›
Photophobia is a symptom that describes light sensitivity. If you notice your eyes are now more sensitive to light, talk to your healthcare provider. Photophobia can be a symptom of a medical condition like migraines, certain eye conditions, or a mental health condition.
What is the best indoor lighting for sensitive eyes? ›
Incandescent lights.
Incandescent lights may be the best option for specific locations if you or a family member is particularly sensitive to eye strain. While not as energy-efficient as LED bulbs, warm incandescent lights are better for the eyes.
Sunglasses, in addition to offering anonymity, can also act as a barrier between the individual and their surroundings. This physical barrier can serve to establish a sense of separation, allowing people to concentrate on themselves rather than the opinions of others.
Why do I feel the need to wear sunglasses? ›
“Whether it's winter or summer, cloudy or sunny, you're always subject to ultraviolet exposure,” he says. Eye protection is especially important if you're on or near a body of water. “Not only do you get direct sun exposure, but you also get reflected light from the water,” he says.
What are the psychological facts about people who wear glasses? ›
POP PSYCHOLOGY ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WEAR GLASSES
- Honesty: Glasses can make you look more honest.
- Trustworthiness: You may look more trustworthy if you're wearing glasses with rims.
- Intelligence: People with glasses look like they read more; hence, they are more intelligent.
The truth is that most people who wear sunglasses indoors aren't rock stars, but rather people who are sensitive to light. Fluorescent lights, computer screens, LEDs, or sunlight bouncing off of office buildings can be uncomfortable, irritate your eyes and cause them to water, or trigger headaches or migraine.
Why do celebrities wear sunglasses indoors? ›
Celebrities live their entire lives in the public eye, but every person wants as much privacy as they can get. Sunglasses obscure your eyes. That allows you to look around without revealing exactly what you're looking at.
Why did Corey Hart wear sunglasses at night? ›
According to co-producer Phil Chapman, the recording sessions for the album took place in a studio whose air conditioning/heating vents were directly above the mixing console. Air from the vents blew directly into the faces of the control room personnel, so they often wore sunglasses to protect their eyes.
Why do people wear sunglasses when there's no sun? ›
How sunglasses protect your eyes in winter. By wearing sunglasses all year round, you can prevent damage to your eyelids and, more specifically, the skin around your eyes. Sunglasses can reduce the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines, scaly red patches, brown spots and tough leathery skin.
What do sunglasses symbolize? ›
Sunglasses, by covering the eyes, can symbolize the protection of one's soul from negative influences and the maintenance of spiritual clarity.
Why do I have to wear sunglasses all the time? ›
Even when it's cloudy, the sun's rays still reach your eyes. "Wearing sunglasses, regardless of what time of the year it is, is the equivalent of wearing sunscreen," Dr. Onishi says. "They block the same harmful rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer.”
What is the condition where you have to wear sunglasses? ›
But some people have medical reasons -- besides sun protection -- to wear their sunglasses both indoors and out: a condition known as photophobia. Some people have medical and psychiatric conditions in which light causes discomfort in the head or eye.
