What makes sunglasses protect you from the sun?... That they are dark?: No. That they have a UV filter?: Yes. To identify that sunglasses offer good protection against the sun's rays, you must first verify that they comply with the European Community (CE) certification standards .
Ensuring that your sunglasses provide you with adequate UV protection to protect your eyes is a matter of visual health, which is why at Óptica Bassol we present you with the most reliable recommendations to check if your glasses have a UV filter.
We also show you the standards of the best brands and the most reliable methods. Take note and protect yourself from the sun. Summer is here!
Reliable methods to check UV protection in your glasses
Protection against UVA and UVB rays is necessary inall seasons of the year , but it is no secret that the sun is at its solar maximum and we are on fire!
In this sense, to enjoy the benefits offered by the sun, such as the necessary vitamin D !, sunglasses with 100% UV protection are recommended . This is crucial for your eye health.
But how can you check if glasses have a UV filter? Check out these facts and clear up your doubts:
1. Beyond the label
While the label "UV400" or "100% UV protection" is a good indicator, it is not the only factor to consider. The quality of the materials and manufacturing also influence the effectiveness of the filter. For this reason, well-known eyewear brands offer:
- UV400: means they block 99% of UVA and UVB rays, offering optimal protection.
- 100% UV protection: indicates the same as above, but ensuring complete protection.
- Certification: Look for the “CE” mark, which is usually found on the temples of your sunglasses, and ensures that the glasses comply with European quality and safety standards. This mark should not be rubbed off when you run your fingers over it.
- High-quality materials and technology: Glasses from well-known brands usually have high quality standards in materials and manufacturing technologies. They offer polycarbonate or glass lenses, which are more scratch-resistant and offer better UV protection than plastic lenses.
To be sure that these standards indicated on the labels are real , the best recommendation is to buy your sunglasses in opticians that have original products , such as in all Bassol Optical stores . Buy glasses from internationally recognized brands, otherwise, you run the risk of buying imitations of glasses that do not protect you.
2. Beware of myths!
Color isn't everything. Dark glasses don't always offer better protection than clear ones. Lenses that are only dark and don't have a UV filter can be harmful . When vision is darkened, the pupil dilates, allowing more UV light to enter, and if the filter isn't adequate, eye damage can be serious.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays without protection can cause damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, lens and retina. Protection against ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) depends on the special filter incorporated into the lenses during their manufacture. This filter is responsible for blocking harmful rays, regardless of the color of the lenses.
The quality of UV filters varies widely. Some lenses, even clear ones, provide protection up to 380 nanometers. The WHO recommends protection up to 400 nanometers.
For example, ZEISS lenses , which you can get at Óptica Bassol, offer this complete protection as standard, in both clear and dark lenses.
3. Why are home tests unreliable?
To verify UV protection, specific tests are needed in laboratories , such as measuring the amount of UV radiation that the lens blocks.
There are several home methods circulating to check if glasses have UV protection, such as the black light test, also known as long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light. The idea behind this test is that some fluorescent materials glow under black light.
Therefore, if glasses are exposed to this light, it is expected that the UV filter lenses will block the UV light and no fluorescence will occur. These tests are not accurate and can lead to erroneous conclusions, because black light does not detect all types of UV light, it only detects a part of the spectrum.
4. Can UV filters be added to prescription glasses?
Yes. UV filters are applied as a special coating to lenses , whether they are prescription glasses or sunglasses . This coating is transparent and does not affect the optical quality of the lenses.
5. Why are UV filters and polarized glasses confused?
It is common to confuse polarization with UV protection, since both characteristics are important in sunglasses, but they serve different functions.
To understand this better, let's imagine sunglasses as a protective shield for your eyes. In both cases, protection is offered, but in a different way . Let's see:
- UV filter : It is a shield that blocks ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) from the sun, which are primarily responsible for long-term eye damage.
- Polarization: This is an additional filter that reduces glare caused by light reflected off surfaces such as water, asphalt or snow. Polarized lenses filter light in a specific direction, but do not have the ability to block ultraviolet rays .
Both UV filtering and polarization are desirable features in sunglasses, as they help protect your eyes and improve your vision. A pair of sunglasses can have excellent UV protection, but not be polarized, or vice versa. Sometimes they are found together: many high-quality sunglasses combine both filters to offer complete protection .
Best sunglasses models with UV protection
UV protection is essential at any time of year, even on cloudy or snowy days. Now that you know how to check if sunglasses have a UV filter, take a look at the best models with this feature.
1. Glasses for athletes
Opt for wraparound glasses that offer greater side protection and adapt the lens to your activity, for example, polarized lenses to reduce reflections on the water, combined with a UV filter. Check out these models!
2. Oakley OO9403 SPHAERA 940304 36
These are panoramic glasses from the Oakley brand , ideal for sports under the sun. They have polarized lenses with UV protection that will protect you from glare . You can enjoy these modern sunglasses in various lens and frame colors:
- Black with brown lens
- White with blue lens
- Black with blue mirrored lens
- Blacks
- Photochromic transparents
24/48H
24/48H
3. Nike WINDTRACK RUN EV24003 010 68
A super affordable model from the Nike sports brand! These sunglasses designed in injected material meet the ideal characteristics for use in the sun. Enjoy them at:
- Black
- Silver
- White with turquoise
24/48H
4. Driving glasses
Choose lenses that reduce glare and offer clear vision in low-light conditions. Wayfarer and aviator styles are great for driving!
5. Ray-Ban RB2140 WAYFARER 901/58 50
Yes, and a thousand times yes to Ray Ban wayfarers ! A model that is fresh and elegant , a true classic! And if you add to that the virtue of UV protection and polaroid , they are the ultimate in driving glasses. Enjoy them in 26 color variations.
6. Serengeti Pete SS599005
The quality of the Serengeti brand is unquestionable, this aviator model with polarized lenses is for drivers who like to be fashionable. Enjoy them in matte gold with polarized lenses!
Conclusion
Your visual health is a priority . At Óptica Bassol we have trendy brands such as Chanel , Dita , Gucci , Prada and many more. Schedule your appointment and receive advice from our professionals on the best glasses with UV protection.
Our worldwide shipping policy and returns and exchanges offer you advantages so that you always come out on top. Check out our summer sales !
