UV Protection

While many of us readily apply sunscreen to shield our skin from the sun's rays, it's surprising how often the potential harm the sun poses to our eyes goes overlooked. Unbeknownst to many, our eyes are astonishingly more susceptible (up to ten times more so) to the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation compared to our skin. Given this striking vulnerability, it becomes undeniably imperative to take measures to safeguard our eyes.

To protect you against this invisible threat, all our sunglasses are meticulously crafted with UVB400 protective coatings. We strongly recommend wearing sunglasses in all bright conditions to protect your eyes to protect from these UV rays. Our UV protective coating remains completely transparent, discreetly protecting your vision without compromising the appearance of your sunglasses.

UV protection as standard

All of our sunglasses come with UVB400 protective coating as standard. UVB400 protection is also available for all of our high index prescription glasses lenses in our Gold, Gold +, and Platinum lens packs. This ensures that your lenses remain pristine from any distracting tints, while the invisible armour of the UV coating provides defence against the sun's harmful rays.

UV rays

Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are emitted by the sun, can have detrimental effects on your eyes when exposed for extended periods without proper protection. There are three main types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While the Earth's atmosphere primarily absorbs UVC rays, UVA and UVB rays still manage to reach the surface and can cause various adverse effects on your eyes.

UVA (Ultraviolet A)

UVA rays have longer wavelengths and are present in sunlight throughout the day. They can penetrate deeper into the skin and eyes compared to UVB rays. UVA rays are associated with premature skin aging, as they can break down collagen and elastin fibers. They are also linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. In terms of the eyes, UVA rays contribute to conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

UVB (Ultraviolet B)

UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are more intense than UVA rays. They are a primary cause of sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. UVB rays are partially absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough reach the Earth's surface to cause damage. In the eyes, overexposure to UVB rays can lead to photokeratitis, which is essentially a sunburn of the eye's surface. Prolonged UVB exposure is also associated with cataract formation and contributes to various eye disorders.

UVC (Ultraviolet C)

UVC rays have the shortest wavelengths and are the most energetic type of UV radiation. Unlike UVA and UVB, the majority of UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, specifically the ozone layer. As a result, UVC rays are not a significant concern for human health, as they are largely prevented from reaching the surface. However, they are used for germicidal purposes, such as in certain sterilisation processes and devices.

UV Protection For Glasses

What are UV rays?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun and are classified into UVA, UVB, and UVC rays.

UVA rays penetrate deeply, leading to ageing and eye damage. UVB rays affect the surface of the skin and eyes, with the ability to cause sunburns and cataracts. UVC rays are the most energetic but are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, therefore not a significant concern for human health.

Do all sunglasses offer UV protection?

Not all sunglasses provide UV protection. The darkness of the lens doesn't guarantee UV blocking capabilities. You should check for labels or certifications indicating 100% UV protection when buying sunglasses. All of our sunglasses at Glasses2You offer full UVA and UVB protection.

Can I add UV protection to my existing prescription glasses?

Absolutely. At Glasses2You, we offer a high-quality reglazing service that can be applied to your current frames, improving their ability to block harmful UV rays. This is an excellent option for ensuring your eyes are protected without having to buy new glasses.

How can I verify if my glasses have UV protection?

To ensure your glasses provide UV protection, look for labels stating 100% UV blocking. An optician can also test your lenses using specialised equipment to confirm their UV protection level. At Glasses2You, we offer 100% UVA and UVB protection on all tinted glasses.

Do photochromic (transition) lenses offer UV protection?

Yes, photochromic lenses, which adjust their tint based on light exposure, usually provide 100% UV protection, shielding your eyes both indoors and outdoors.

Is UV protection necessary on cloudy days?

UV protection is important in all daylight conditions. Even on overcast days, UV rays can still harm your eyes as they can penetrate through clouds. It's best to wear UV-blocking glasses all year round.

Can UV protection in glasses wear off over time?

Generally, UV protection is embedded within the lens material and doesn't degrade. If the lenses are coated, it's possible for the coating to wear off. All of the coatings we provide are durable and provide long-lasting, consistent protection, so long as you maintain and care for your glasses effectively.

Are there clear lenses that provide UV protection?

Yes, clear lenses can be treated to block UV rays without affecting their transparency. This allows for eye protection even when tinted lenses aren't needed.