100% UV Protection is Only Part of the Picture

Everyone knows to look for "100% UV Protection" or "UV400" when shopping for a pair of sunglasses, just like everyone knows that wearing sunscreen can prevent sunburn. And just like sunscreen, more expensive does not always mean higher quality.

Here's the truth about UV protection:

Basic UV blocking is a standard, low-cost feature across the entire industry.

Sunglasses with a UV400 rating, or "100% UVA/UVB Protection", offer the same amount of protection regardless of price. A $9 pair of sunglasses from a gas station counter and a $300 luxury designer pair provide the same UV protection. Every pair of Optic Nerve eyewear offers 100% UVA/UVB protection.

Real eye safety is a combination of UV protection, fit, ergonomics, and coverage. In the end, the sunglasses you wear most often will provide more protection than wearing no sunglasses at all.

UV Light Defined

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of radiation. It comes in three types: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-C rays are not considered a threat because they are almost completely blocked by the Earth's ozone layer. But, prolonged exposure to UV-A and UV-B radiation can cause significant eye damage.

Negative Health Effects

• Inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva - conditions easily prevented by wearing protective eyewear
• Cataracts - a clouding of the eye's normally clear lens, resulting in impaired vision
• Pterygium - a painful and irritating growth of fleshy tissue that can cover part of the cornea
• Cancer in and around the eye - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
• Macular degeneration - the leading cause of blindness in Western countries

UV rays can cause damage in any season, rain or shine. UV light can come through on overcast days, during the winter, and anytime the sun is out. It's important to wear sunglasses daily when outside to help prevent damage from UV rays. 

Who's most at risk?

While UV protection is a universal health necessity for everyone, certain groups face more risk:

• Children and Adolescents: Kids are more vulnerable because their young eye structures cannot filter out UV as effectively as adult eyes. Kids also spend up to three times more annual sun exposure than adults, from outdoor playtime and sports activities.

• High-Altitude and Reflective Environments: Highly reflective environments, like water and snow, bounce sunlight back into your eyes in the form of glare. At altitude, people are more prone to eye damage where the thinner atmosphere absorbs less UV light.

What does UV400 mean?

UV light ranges from 100-400 nanometers, and a UV400 rating or "100% UV Protection" label means the lens blocks all wavelengths under 400 nanometers.

The FDA strictly regulates that all sunglasses meet a minimum UV protection requirement. Every pair that has "UV400" or "100% UV Protection" is guaranteed to provide the 100% UV protection.

UV, Polarization, and Tint

A common and dangerous misconception is that a darker lens tint automatically equals more UV protection. The tint of the lens only affects the visible light transmission, not UV. A crystal-clear polycarbonate lens blocks 100% of UV rays just as completely as a dark gray lens. Wearing a darker lens without UV protection actually allows more UV light to enter your eye.

Similarly, polarized lenses are great for filtering reflected glare from water, snow, and pavement, but polarization itself does not block UV rays.

Fit, Ergonomics, and Coverage 

Fit, ergonomics, and coverage all play a role in the total UV protection of your sunglasses. The lens itself will block 100% of UV rays, but what about the light that enters from around the lens itself? Some styles offer more protection because of their design and coverage. In the end, wearing sunglasses consistently will reduce the UV exposure to your eyes. Even if it's not the most protective pair, it's better than wearing no sunglasses at all.

Fit

Everyone has a unique face, meaning no sunglasses will fit two people exactly the same. Finding a pair of sunglasses that fits your face correctly will improve the coverage of the sunglasses, and also feel better.

You want your eyes to sit just slightly above the center of the lens on a pair of sunglasses. If they sit too high, your eyes will be below the center point, and there will be space on the bottom of the lens for light to get through. If they sit too low, your eyes will be above the center line, and light will be able to get in through the top of the sunglasses.

It can be hard to find the right-fitting sunglasses for your face. Getting a personalized fitting from a professional can help point you in the right direction for styles that fit your face. Remember that if you love a pair of sunglasses and wear them, but they don't "fit" your face, they're still a good pair of sunglasses with just a little less UV protection.

Ergonomics

Wearing your sunglasses is important if you want to reap the benefits of their UV protection. Ergonomics is where the difference in price point is the most noticeable. Companies put lots of time and effort into creating sunglasses that feel weightless and comfortable for all-day wear.

Finding the right pair for you starts with what you plan to use the sunglasses for. Our performance line is perfect for cyclists who want all-day comfort with wraparound protection, while our lifestyle line is perfect for reading at the beach.

With good ergonomics, you won't even notice that you're wearing sunglasses, making it easier to wear them all day long and keeping your eyes protected.

Coverage

The total area covered by your sunglasses changes depending on the style. For example, our Palisade sunglasses have a wire frame, flat lenses, and only cover the area right in front of the eye. Comparatively, our Stone Cat sunglasses are a wraparound shield style that covers the entire eye area and peripherals with the lens. The Stone Cat is going to provide more protection from UV light because it covers more of your face.

When looking for the highest UV Protection in a pair of sunglasses, you should look for sunglasses that are a wraparound shape, protecting you from peripheral light.

The Whole Picture

While 100% UV protection is important in the lens to protect your eyes from damaging UV rays, it is only part of the picture when it comes to protecting your eyes from UV. The fit, ergonomics, and coverage of your sunglasses also play a role in total UV protection.

Properly fitting sunglasses will offer more protection than ill-fitting sunglasses. Having your eyes sit just slightly above the center point of the lens is ideal for a good fit.

The ergonomics of sunglasses dictate how comfortable they are on your face. This is where the real price difference is shown. Good ergonomics allow you to wear your sunglasses all day without getting headaches or irritation.

Wraparound, shield, and glacier sunglasses offer more UV protection due to their shape. They block peripheral light from entering your eyes, unlike aviator, monolens, and wayfarer styles.

In the end, wearing sunglasses with UV400 or 100% UV protection is better than wearing nothing at all.