Wearing sunglasses causes cancer?

The sunglasses meant to protect you from the sun are being accused of something far more dangerous. Is there any truth behind the claim?

Verity verdict: False

Source of claim: https://www.facebook.com/reel/27007297808936823

Claim summary

A video circulating on Facebook claims that wearing sunglasses can increase the risk of cancer. The clip features the late alternative-health author Andreas Moritz, who argues that sunglasses prevent ultraviolet light from entering the eyes, supposedly interfering with a process that stimulates melanin production and leaving the skin more vulnerable to sunlight.

The video also claims that cancer rates increased dramatically after sunglasses became widely used. The same or similar footage has resurfaced repeatedly on Facebook and Instagram.

What the evidence shows

The biological mechanism described in the video does not match established evidence about how tanning works. Here's what we found:

Melanin is produced by cells in the skin itself in response to UV exposure. It does not require ultraviolet light to enter the eyes first. Ophthalmology and dermatology specialists consulted about this specific claim have said there is no credible evidence that blocking UV light from the eyes prevents the rest of the body from producing melanin.

More importantly, UV radiation itself is a recognized cause of skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. Protective sunglasses reduce UV exposure to the eyes and surrounding tissue rather than increasing cancer risk. Mayo Clinic News Network

The argument also confuses correlation with causation. Even if both sunglasses use and recorded cancer incidence increased over long periods, that would not demonstrate that one caused the other.

The official verdict

Therefore... all signs point to no: obviously, wearing sunglasses doesn't give you cancer. While the absurdity of such a claim may lead one to believe it, in this case it is clear and blatant clickbait.