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About 2.2 billion people worldwide have vision impairment.1 Vision health is important for everyone, as is preventative care like wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Prescription sunglasses can be expensive, but vision insurance can help cover the costs of protective eyewear.
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Vision insurance doesn't always cover sunglasses, but many plans will if they are prescription or deemed medically necessary. If you would like coverage for sunglasses, you should review your vision insurance policy carefully to understand what's included before making a purchase.
Sunglasses are typically covered by vision insurance in these instances:
If you just want a pair of sunglasses, it's not a guarantee that your insurance provider will cover them. These types of sunglasses are often not covered:
You may also be limited in the brands that your insurer is willing to cover.
Don't wait until it's too late. Help protect yourself and your family with coverage from Aflac.
Get StartedTo verify your coverage, review your policy documents. You may be able to find them on your insurance provider's online portal or request a copy from your insurance representative. You can also ask an insurance representative directly what's included or not included in the policy.
Even if your vision insurance covers sunglasses, it may not cover the full cost. Your plan may have one or more common coverage limitations including:2
These limitations may require you to pay out of pocket for sunglasses, and you'll typically have to pay for accessories yourself.
If you already wear prescription glasses, it's may be a good idea to wear prescription sunglasses, too. Prescription sunglasses offer a number of benefits, including:
Yes, sunglasses can help reduce the risk of cataracts and may help protect existing cataracts from worsening due to additional UV exposure. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection help shield the eyes from harmful rays, although they can't fully prevent or reverse cataracts.3
While there is no "best" pair of sunglasses for eye protection, pairs labeled UV400 or 100% UVA/UVB protection are helpful, since they help block harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the eyes.3 Larger frames or wraparound sunglasses can provide even better coverage by limiting light from the sides.4
Costs can vary based on your prescription, the brand you choose and your insurance provider. Vision insurance may help cover prescription sunglasses, but coverage often depends on whether they're included under your plan, medically necessary or subject to annual allowances and other limits. Essentially, vision insurance can help reduce out-of-pocket costs, but it may not cover the full price.
Vision insurance can be worth it Vision insurance can be worth it if you have prescription eyewear needs, since it can reduce your out-of-pocket costs associated with eye care. Aflac offers a range of vision insurance policies, some of which may include coverage for certain types of sunglasses. However, terms and conditions apply, so it's important to review your policy first to be clear on what's covered and what isn't. Chat with an Aflac agent today to discuss your policy options and get a quote for vision insurance.
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Vision insurance can help you lower eye care expenses and maintain good eye health. Learn how vision insurance works and how much it costs.
Eye exams can be expensive without insurance. Learn why eye exams are important and how vision insurance can cover the cost of an exam.
Vision insurance can help you lower eye care expenses and maintain good eye health. Learn how vision insurance works and how much it costs.
Eye exams can be expensive without insurance. Learn why eye exams are important and how vision insurance can cover the cost of an exam.
1 WHO – Blindness and vision impairment. Updated February 10, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment. Accessed August 25, 2026.
2 Investopedia – Vision Care Insurance: Meaning, Availability, Pros and Cons. Updated December 10, 2025. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/vision-care-insurance.asp. Accessed August 25, 2026.
3 Optegra Eye Health Care – Does Wearing Sunglasses Prevent Cataracts? October 21, 2025. https://www.optegra.com/eye-health-blog/cataracts/does-wearing-sunglasses-prevent-cataracts/. Accessed August 25, 2026.
4 Hartford HealthCare – How to Choose Sunglasses That Actually Protect Your Eyes. Published July 13, 2026. https://hartfordhospital.org/about-hh/news-center/news-detail?articleId=74714. Accessed August 25, 2026.
Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
In Delaware, Policies A82100R-A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID-A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK-A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA-A82400RVA.
In Arkansas, Policy VSN100AR. In Delaware, Policy VSN100. In Idaho, Policy VSN100ID. In New York, Policy NYVSN100. In Oklahoma, Policy VSN100OKR. In Oregon, Policy VSN100OR. In Pennsylvania, Policy VSN100PA. In Texas, Policy VSN100TX. In Virginia, Policy VSN100VA.
Coverage underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK.
Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing
NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to DE, ID, NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Some of the plans advertised herein offer supplemental insurance coverage and are not major medical insurance plans.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
Z2500586
EXP 8/27
