Demystifying UV400 Sunglasses & Busting Some Myths Around Them

UV400 sunglasses are a boon to those who care about their eyes’ health. Many people wear sunglasses only as a way to make a style statement and to stop squinting under the sun. However, it is extremely crucial to see them as a device that can help our eyes stay safe from eye conditions caused by harmful UV rays.

From cataracts to macular degeneration and cancer of the eyelid, UV rays can damage your eyes to the core. That’s why you need to own a pair of UV400 sunglasses and use them regularly. If you are wondering what they are and if you can use them during everyday activities like driving, we are here to help you. Keep reading as we feed your curiosity and also bust some myths surrounding UV400 sunglasses.

What is UV400 in Sunglasses?

A sleek pair of rectangular sunglasses rests on a reflective surface, capturing the warm glow of a golden sunset. The design highlights the lenses and frame, symbolising style, relaxation, and timeless summer vibes.

Not all sunglasses can protect your eyes the same way. Some only block a small part, like 10% of the harmful UV rays from the sun. Others block 100% of these rays and save your eyes from any harm. The second kind of sunglasses is what we call UV400 sunglasses. These are capable of blocking both harmful UVA and UVB rays completely.

In case you aren’t aware, UVA rays are the part of the light that can hamper your vision by damaging the retina and the natural eye lens. UVB rays, on the contrary, can wreck your cornea cells, which do the job of protecting your eyes from external evils like dust and pollution.

Myths About UV400 Sunglasses

Here are some common myths about UV400, you must know to avoid any confusion:

All sunglasses come with UV400 lenses

Many cheap sunglasses only have a sticker saying ‘complete UV protection’ that is fake. So, what do you do to ensure yours are indeed UV400 sunglasses? Check for a CE mark on them. Or better buy them from a reputable place like Specscart where you are sure of the quality.

Clear lenses don’t have a UV400 label

A woman in a black halter-neck swimsuit poses confidently against a bright blue sky. She wears sleek oval sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, and layered bracelets, exuding effortless summer elegance with a touch of bold sophistication.

Many people believe that only tinted lenses can protect their eyes from UV rays, but that’s not true. Clear prescription lenses can also offer 100% UV protection.

Tinted sunglasses are often preferred because they feel soothing to the eye, they reduce glare and block a significant amount of visible light. However, the light they block is mainly visible light, not necessarily UV rays. This can create a problem: when the eyes don’t get enough visible light, the pupils enlarge to let in more light. As a result, even more UV rays can enter the eye and potentially cause damage.

For complete protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, lenses need to have a special UV protection coating or be made from UV400 materials. These block wavelengths of light up to 400 nanometers. Importantly, such protection doesn’t require dark tints—clear lenses can be just as effective at blocking UV rays.

Children don’t need UV400 sunglasses

A cheerful young girl relaxes on the beach, wearing stylish yellow cat-eye sunglasses and a wide-brimmed white hat. Dressed in a sleeveless white outfit, she smiles brightly, enjoying the sunny day beside a striped beach bag.

False. While this should be obvious that children need UV400 sunglasses because they spend more time outdoors than an average adult, many people still ignore the fact. Why? Because people feel that most eye-related issues happen only at a later stage in life.

But they forget that children’s eyes are more sensitive. Their clear natural lens and big pupils allow more UV light to enter the eyes. Thus, raising the chances of diseases like macular degeneration happening to them. This may lead to the child having a hazy vision for years.

UV400 sunglasses aren’t required on a cloudy day

A layer of clouds can only reduce up to 10% of UV rays, and it is not the visible light that you need protection from in this case. That’s why it’s crucial to have UV400 sunglasses even on cloudy days to keep your eyes safe.

You can’t wear UV400 sunglasses with contact lenses

A woman carefully prepares to insert a contact lens into her eye. The lens rests delicately on her fingertip, while her other hand gently pulls down her lower eyelid, reflecting precision and focus in the process.

This one is certainly a false statement. Most contact lenses do not have an anti-UV coating for protection. If you do have to roam outdoors with them on, then there’s no problem in wearing UV400 sunglasses that save you from the sun while your contacts correct your vision.

You can’t wear UV400 sunglasses made with prescription lenses

Busted. Opticians use prescription lenses in sunglasses to save you from the hassle of switching between pairs if you are out in the sun but also need vision correction. Since prescriptions have nothing to do with the UV400 properties of the lenses, no wonder you can have UV400 sunglasses made with prescriptions.

Where Can You Get UV400 Sunglasses?

If you are all impressed by the benefits of UV400 sunglasses and are looking for the same, then you can explore our range. All our sunglasses come with 100% protection from harmful UVA/B rays so that your eyes are protected and look stylish at the same time. Available in various premium materials like acetate, metal, and TR-90, we have something for everyone. You will get free accessories like a hardshell vegan leather case, a designer microfibre cleaning cloth, a cleaning solution, and a keychain screwdriver.