UV protection and filter categories, what exactly is that?

An EU guideline obliges sunglasses manufacturers since 1995 to treat their sunglass lenses against UV rays (UVA + UVB) (UV 400). These glasses are labeled with "CE", followed by their protective index, a number from 0 to 4. This protection index indicates the degree of protection provided not only by the filters of spectacle lenses but also by the quality of the manufacturing material. Of course, the filter category has nothing to do with sun creams or other sun products that protect the skin from sunburn.

To be fully receptive to the properties of sunglass lenses, it is important to know that the UV index is related to the intensity of the sun's UV radiation and health risk. The higher the UV index, the higher the radiation.

Sunglasses with filter category 0

The sunglasses filter category 0 barely protects against glare and the percentage of protection is between 0% and 19%, that is, only about 20% of the light is absorbed. The filtering of dangerous UV A and UV-B rays is too weak to ensure effective protection. Do not wear these sunglasses in strong sunlight or in the summer sun. These types of sunglasses are generally considered to be comfort sunglasses or aesthetically pleasing fashion accessories. These types of glasses are optimal indoors or in low sunlight. Also ideal in the office.

Sunglasses with filter category 1

You will recognize these types of glasses by their light tint, usually gray or pink-purple, such as the men's sunglasses Gucci GG0291. The Index 1 protects the eyes in low sunshine or on cloudy days. The percentage protection is between 20% and 57%, which corresponds to a gray weather or a winter sky. Be careful with Class 1, avoid sun exposure.

Sunglasses with filter category 2

Sunglasses with a protection index of 2 are perfect for spring and average sunshine without too much reverberation. The glasses absorb 57% to 82% of the sun's rays They are suitable for low sun brightness. Here is an example: ladies sunglasses Guess GGU 1111.

Sunglasses with filter category 3

The index 3 has a very satisfactory protection like the model Carrera Grand Prix 2 for example. With percent protection ranging from 82% to 92%, these Class 3 sunglasses can be used at sea or in the mountains in bright sunshine. The Index 3 glasses also have the advantage of blocking 100% of the ultraviolet rays of the sun

If you are looking for 100% UV protection as well as a perfect glare protection, we recommend the polarized sunglasses with the filter category 3. More and interesting information can be found in our guide "polarized sunglasses"

Which UV filter category is best for me?

Sunglasses with or without prescription are not only consider the aesthetic side, but also have essential features that must be considered in the selection:

• - The degree of protection and the UV filter
• - The intensity of the tint of the glasses (regardless of the protection factor)
• - The quality of the material used

It is often believed that sunglasses with darker lenses filter UV light better than brighter glasses. This is not correct because the color of the sunglasses lenses gives no indication of the sunlight filtering. Dark glasses reduce glare but do not protect you better from UV. The quality and material of which the lenses are made and the coating used are an important factor in the selection of sunglasses. For example, polycarbonate, which is commonly used by eyewear manufacturers, naturally blocks UV rays.

Thus, transparent glasses can have index protection 4 and block more than 92% of the light radiation while absorbing 100% of the UV rays, such as the model of Julbo Zephyr