Sunglasses are often chosen for their appearance or comfort, but their most important function is protecting your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV protection isn’t just a feature—it’s a critical safeguard for your long-term vision health. Understanding what UV protection really means can help you make informed decisions when selecting your next pair of sunglasses.
Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. It’s invisible to the human eye, unlike visible light, and it doesn’t trigger the pain receptors in our eyes the way intense sunlight does. Despite its invisibility, UV radiation can cause serious damage to the skin and eyes. It’s the same radiation responsible for sunburns and long-term skin aging, and when it comes to your eyes, prolonged exposure can lead to cataracts, photokeratitis, macular degeneration, and other conditions.
UV radiation is categorized by wavelength and includes the following types:
UVA (400–315 nm)
Accounts for up to 95% of UV radiation that reaches the Earth. It penetrates the eye more deeply and has been linked to aging effects and long-term eye damage.
UVB (315–280 nm)
More intense than UVA, UVB rays are largely absorbed by the ozone layer but can still cause damage to the cornea and lens of the eye.
UVC (280–100 nm)
The most dangerous form of UV radiation, but thankfully it is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and doesn’t typically reach the ground.
Other scientific classifications exist for UV light, including near ultraviolet (NUV), middle ultraviolet (MUV), and extreme ultraviolet (EUV), but UVA, UVB, and UVC are the most relevant for eye protection.
A UV protection lens coating is a special treatment applied to sunglass lenses to block or absorb ultraviolet light. This coating is invisible, so it doesn’t affect the look or color of the lenses, but it dramatically increases their protective capabilities. When applied correctly, the coating can block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
Not all lenses come with UV protection by default. While certain materials like polycarbonate and high-index plastic lenses naturally offer full UV protection, others—such as standard plastic lenses—may require this additional coating. Some fashion sunglasses may have tinted lenses that reduce brightness but offer little to no UV protection, which is why verifying UV blocking capabilities is essential.
Many people choose sunglass lenses based on tint or color to reduce brightness and glare. While this can improve comfort, it does not necessarily mean the lenses protect against UV rays. In fact, dark lenses without UV protection can be worse than no sunglasses at all. The darkness causes your pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful UV rays to enter the eye.
Long-term UV exposure can saturate natural molecules in the eye, known as chromophores, that typically absorb UV light as a defense mechanism. Once saturated, chromophores lose their ability to protect the eye, leading to damage to the cornea, lens, and retina over time. UV-blocking sunglasses help prevent this buildup, acting as a barrier that limits harmful radiation before it reaches the eye.
When shopping for sunglasses, always look for a label or description that says the lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays or offer “UV400” protection. UV400 means the lenses block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, covering both UVA and UVB spectrums.
If your current sunglasses do not have UV protection or if you’re unsure of their capabilities, it’s worth considering an upgrade—either through a new pair or by adding a coating to your existing lenses.
At RX Safety, UV protection is a top priority. You can order sunglasses with built-in UV-blocking lenses or customize your prescription eyewear with a UV protection coating.
1. SELECT THE FRAME
RX Safety offers a wide range of sunglasses that are prescription available. Choose your favorite one.
2. SELECT PRESCRIPTION
Inside our prescription form, you can select your prescription type. Choose between single vision, bifocal, trifocal, and progressive.
If you already own a pair of glasses you love, there’s no need to start from scratch—our Lens Replacement Service allows you to upgrade your current lenses with the UV protection you need.
Getting started is easy, simply click here to begin the process of upgrading your sunglass lenses.
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Is UV Extreme better than sunglasses that can protect you form UVA and UVB only? Which one provides the best protection? Also does this also improve the vision so you don’t get that bright glare? Are there glasses you can recommend for driving at night with headlight glare as well?
Thank you