BOSTON (CBS) – Summer means lots of sunshine. And while that might be good for our spirits, it isn’t great for our eyes.

Christie Matteereesi didn’t realize how much damage she was doing to her eyes last year. “With all the time, I spent in the sun last summer, I actually got sunburn on my eye and you can see red and yellow in the white of my eyes.”

Sunglasses can protect you from that kind of damage, but figuring out what kind to buy, and how much to spend, can be confusing.

Prices can range from just a few bucks, to several hundred dollars.

The good news is most sunglasses, even the cheap ones, offer basic protection.

Ophthalmologist Neal Sher explained, “Even cheaper glasses have UV protection.”

It is important, however, to look for a sticker which indicates the lenses are 100% UVA/UVB.

Cheaper sunglasses usually are not polarized. Polarized lenses cut down on glare and make it easier to see in bright sun. They usually add about $50 to the price tag. Dr. Sher thinks this type of lens is worth the extra money.

Designer brands can easily push the price tag in the hundreds. The increased price covers licensing fees.