How to check if glasses have a UV filter?

What makes a pair of 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 meet the certification standards of the European Community (CE). Ensuring that your sunglasses provide adequate UV protection to take care of your eyes is a matter of visual health, so in Bassol Optics we present the most reliable recommendations to check if your glasses have a UV filter. In addition, we 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 the UV protection of your sunglasses

Protection against UVA and UVB sun rays is necessary in all 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 do you check if your sunglasses have a UV filter? Take a look at these facts and clear your doubts:

1. Beyond the label

While the "UV400" or "100% UV protection" label is a good indicator, it is not the only factor to consider. The quality of materials and workmanship also influence the effectiveness of the filter. For this reason, well-known eyewear brands offer:

• UV400: meaning they block 99% of UVA and UVB rays, offering optimum protection.
• 100% UV protection: indicates the same as above, but ensuring full protection.
• Certification: look for the "CE" marking, which is usually on the temples of your sunglasses, and guarantees that the glasses comply with European quality and safety standards. This mark should not rub 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, as in all Bassol Optics stores. Buy glasses from internationally recognized brands, otherwise, you run the risk of acquiring imitation glasses that do not protect you.

2. Beware of myths!

Color is not everything. Dark glasses do not always offer better protection than light ones. Lenses that are only dark and have no UV filter can be harmful. By obscuring vision, the pupil dilates, allowing more UV light to enter and, if the filter is not adequate, eye damage can be severe. Prolonged unprotected UV exposure can cause damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, lens and retina. Protection against ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) depends on the special filter that is 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, protect up to 380 nanometers. The WHO recommends protection up to 400 nanometers. For example, ZEISS lenses, which you can get at Bassol Optics, offer this full protection as standard, both in clear and dark lenses.

3. Why are home tests unreliable?

To verify UV protection, specific laboratory tests are needed, such as measuring the amount of UV radiation blocked by the lens. There are several at-home methods circulating to test whether a pair of glasses has 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-filtered lenses will block the ultraviolet light and no fluorescence will occur. These tests are not accurate and may lead to erroneous conclusions, because black light does not detect all types of UV light, it only detects part of the spectrum.

4. Can UV filters be added to prescription spectacles?

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 features are important in sunglasses, but have different functions. To better understand, let's imagine sunglasses as a protective shield for your eyes. In both cases protection is offered, but different, let's look at it:

• UV filter: it is a shield that blocks ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) from the sun, which are the main responsible for long-term eye damage.
• Polarization: is an additional filter that reduces glare caused by light reflected from 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 goggle may 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 models of sunglasses with UV protection

UV protection is essential at any time of the year, even on cloudy or snowy days. You already know how to check if a pair of sunglasses has a UV filter, now take a look at the best models with this feature.

1. Sports eyewear

Opt for wraparound glasses that offer greater side protection and adapt the lens to your activity, for example, polarized lenses to reduce reflections in the water, combined with UV filter. Check out these models!

2. Oakley OO9403 SPHAERA 940304 36

These are Oakley panoramic sunglasses, ideal for sports under the sun. They have polarized lenses and UV protection that will protect you from reflections. 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
• Black
• Clear photochromic

Oakley OO9403 SPHAERA 940304 36

11 Colores

€152,73

24/48H

Oakley OO9403 SPHAERA 940302 36

11 Colores

€152,73

24/48H

Oakley OO9403 SPHAERA 940305 36

11 Colores

€152,73

Oakley OO9403 SPHAERA 940301 36

11 Colores

€152,73

Oakley OO9403 SPHAERA 940307 36

11 Colores

€146,94

3. Nike WINDTRACK RUN EV24003 010 68

A super affordablemodel from the Nikesports brand ! These sunglasses designed in injected material meet the ideal characteristics for use under the sun. Enjoy them in:

• Black
• Silver
• White with turquoise

Nike WINDTRACK RUN EV24003 010 68

3 Colores

€60,45

Nike WINDTRACK RUN EV24003 302 68

3 Colores

€60,45

Nike WINDTRACK RUN EV24003 902 68

3 Colores

€60,45

4. Driving Glasses

Choose lenses that reduce glare and offer clear vision in low-light conditions - wayfarers and aviators are great for driving!

Ray-Ban RB3675 001 31 58

7 Colores

€87,93

Ray-Ban RB3675 001 51 58

7 Colores

€93,72

Ray-Ban RB3675 001 58 58

7 Colores

€116,86

5. Ray-Ban RB2140 WAYFARER 901/58 50

Yes, and a thousand times yes to the Ray-Ban wayfarer, a model that is fresh and elegant, a 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.

Ray-Ban RB2140 WAYFARER 954 50

33 Colores

€94,30

Ray-Ban RB2140 WAYFARER 901/58 50

33 Colores

€123,22

6. Serengeti Pete SS599005

The quality of the Serengeti brand is undisputed, this aviator model with polarized lenses is for drivers who like to be fashionable, enjoy them in matte gold with polarized lenses!

Serengeti Pete SS599004 58

3 Colores

€210,74 €280,99

Serengeti Pete SS599005

3 Colores

€192,15 €256,20

Conclusion

Your visual health is a priority. At Optica Bassol we have trendy brands like Chanel, Dita, Gucci, Prada and many more. Schedule your appointment and receive advice from our professionals about the best glasses with UV protection. Our worldwide shipping policy and our returns and exchanges offer you advantages so that you always come out ahead. Check out our summer sales!