Sunglasses with UV protection: how to recognize quality

Sunglasses with UV protection are an essential accessory to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. But how do you recognize the quality of these sunglasses? Find out in this article what really matters when choosing sunglasses with UV protection and how you can ensure that your eyes are optimally protected from the sun's rays.

Why are UV rays dangerous?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are electromagnetic rays produced by the sun. They are not visible to us humans, but are very dangerous as they can damage cells in the skin and eyes. For example, they can lead to conjunctivitis, retinal damage or even clouding of the lens (cataracts). Glasses with a UV filter protect our eyes from this and can prevent this damage - if the quality is right!

How do I know if sunglasses have UV protection?

You can tell whether sunglasses have UV protection by the label "UV400" or "100% UV protection", which can usually be found on the inside of the sunglasses frame or in the instruction leaflet. This label is an assurance for the buyer that the glasses protect against harmful UV rays. In addition, all sunglasses sold in Germany must bear the CE mark. Sunglasses with the CE mark offer sufficient UV protection, which means that they meet the minimum requirements. However, the accuracy of this information is not independently verified and the mark can easily be falsified. It is therefore advisable to buy sunglasses from an optician.

How much UV protection should sunglasses have?

Sunglasses should filter out UV rays up to a wavelength of 400 nanometres for effective protection.
Over time, UV protection can diminish, especially if the sunglasses lenses are scratched or otherwise damaged. It is therefore important to have your sunglasses checked regularly and replaced if necessary.

 

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The darker, the better?

No. The intensity of the tint of the lenses says nothing about the UV protection of sunglasses, but only how much brightness they absorb or let through. The tint is therefore decisive for the glare protection of sunglasses.

You can read more about this here: Sunglasses - how to find the right tint.

Should my sunglasses be polarised and anti-reflective?

Polarisation and anti-reflective coating both ensure clearer, more transparent and higher-contrast vision, but the two technologies are used differently.

Polarising filters reduce annoying glare reflections caused by reflective surfaces such as water, wet roads or snow. By eliminating this glare, the surroundings can be perceived more clearly and with greater contrast.

In contrast, anti-reflective coatings minimise reflections that occur on the lenses themselves. As a result, the lenses become more ‘transparent’ overall. Anti-reflective coatings therefore also ensure higher-contrast and more transparent vision.

5 tips for choosing your sunglasses with UV protection

When choosing sunglasses with UV protection, you should pay particular attention to the following criteria:

UV protection
Look for the label ‘UV 400’ or the indication ‘100 % UV protection’ to ensure that your eyes are effectively protected from harmful UV rays.

CE mark
This is usually located on the inside of the temple and indicates that the sunglasses comply with European safety standards.

Correct tint
Choose a tint that suits your needs. Adequate darkening not only protects against dazzling light, but also improves contrast and visibility in different light conditions.

 

Read also:

Sunglasses with prescription - what you should look out for

Sunglasses tint - how to find the right lens color