Sunglasses with the Best UV Protection

Selecting Sunglasses with the Best UV Protection

Wraparounds

Wraparounds are sunglasses that wrap around the temples. They provide extra protection by preventing UV rays from entering from the sides. There is credible scientific evidence supporting the assertion that wraparounds are an effective method of reducing the amount of harmful rays from the sun. Some studies have shown that a sufficient amount of UV rays enters around the frames of standard sunglasses to reduce the protective benefits of the lenses. In essence, making sure the sides offer protection is a necessary way to ensure that the shades offer adequate UV defense.

Look for UV Protection

Color, style and cost have nothing to do with the amount of sun protection offered. One common myth is that darker colored lenses offer greater UV defense. This is not the case. Absorption of the sun’s rays is a result of applying special coatings on the lens material during manufacturing. Always select glasses that are classified as obstructing 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. Some labels specify “UV absorption up to 400nm.” This is equivalent to 100 percent UV absorption.

Fitovers

Fitovers are sunglasses that are designed to be worn on top of your prescription glasses. They often provide the wraparound feature.

Check Lens Quality

Look for a uniform tint. A tint that is the same color over the entire area of the lens, not darker in one area and lighter in another. To examine the lenses for imperfections, hold the glasses at an arm’s length, then look through them at a straight line in the distance, such as the edge of a window. Slowly move the lens across the straight line. If the straight edge distorts, sways, moves or curves in any way, the lens is flawed.

Make Sure Lenses Block Enough Light

Sunglasses with adequate UV protection should always screen out 75 to 90 percent of visible light. To determine if a pair is dark enough, try on the glasses in front of a mirror. If you can easily see your eyes through the lenses, they are likely too light.

Special Features that offer Extra Protection

Polarized

Polarized lenses are effective because they cut reflected glare. Reflected glare is when sunlight bounces off smooth surfaces, such as water or concrete. Polarized sunglasses can offer extra UV protection. They are especially useful in reducing harmful rays from the sun when driving, boating, or skiing. Since polarization does not correspond to UV protection, you must still examine the lenses to make sure they offer adequate sun defense.

Gradient

Gradient lenses are permanently shaded from top to bottom, or from top and bottom toward the middle. Single gradient lenses are shaded lighter on the bottom and darker on the top. They cut glare from the sky while allowing your vision to see clearly below. These lenses are ideal for driving, yet not so great for skiing, boating or being at the beach. Double gradient lenses are darker on top and bottom, and lighter in the middle. They offer the best UV protection for boating or skiing.

Photochromic

Photochromic lenses automatically become lighter in low light and darker in bright light. These lenses are ideal for those who intend to be moving between well-lit and dimly lit areas. Though many photochromic lenses serve as great sun absorption sunglasses (make sure you check the label), the disadvantage is that it may take many minutes for the lenses to adjust to different light conditions.

Mirror Coatings

Mirror coatings can reduce the amount of visible light from entering the eyes. They offer thin layers of metallic coatings. When used in conjunction with the wraparound feature, they provide an extra layer of UV protection to the skin which surrounds the eye. However, UV protection is never guaranteed.

Conclusion

Choosing sunglasses with the best UV protection takes some basic investigating. Don’t assume that the color of the lenses is necessarily indicative of sun protection. Always make sure you check the labels and look for a pair of sunglasses that provides 99 to 100 percent UV protection. Look for a uniform tint when choosing new sunglasses. Wraparounds, fitovers, polarized and gradient lenses offer an extra layer of defense. The decision of selecting sunglasses which offer the best UV protection is contingent on what specific activities you intend to use the glasses for.