My plants are in a closet, so I don't get blasted like some grow areas. I'm also careful while I'm looking at my plants, only spending a minute or two in the direct light, and I do wear polarized "clip-ons" that hook to my reading specs (I just leave them pointing up, and they act like a shade). I'll move down and underneath the canopy, where the leaves block much of the light, looking for any changes in plant health or while I'm watering the girls. Then I'll back away, leaving the door open, and just the light from that is enough to make my day a good one.
I imagine you have to be really careful in larger gardens, where a lot of work has to be done under the strong lighting. I would wear a hat in that situation.