Is UV400 Polarized Good?

There are so many choices for frames and lenses that it can be hard to know which one is best for you and which one will protect your eyes the most. Some common questions are: What is a UV400 lens? What is a polarized lens? Which one protects my eyes better?

In this blog, we will answer these questions for you.

What is UV400 Protection?

Sunlight, while essential for human health and well-being, also contains invisible rays called ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can affect our skin and eyes. There are two main types: UVA and UVB. 

UVA rays are much stronger and more common than UVB rays – about 500 times more common! They penetrate deep into our skin and eyes, causing wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging. While UVB rays are weaker, they are the main cause of sunburn. They also play a major role in causing skin cancer, including the development of moles.

Both UVA and UVB rays can damage our eyes, so it’s important to protect them from the sun’s harmful radiation as much as possible. We can do this by wearing sunglasses that block UV rays and hats. It’s also important to be aware of the time of day when the sun is strongest (For example, the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and take precautions to minimize exposure during those peak hours.

And UV400 Lens?

You might see sunglasses labeled “UV400”. This means the lenses have been designed to block wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which means that almost 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, including both UVA and UVB, will be blocked from damaging your eyes. 

Just because a sunglass lens is dark, it doesn’t mean it’s blocking all the harmful UV rays. To be considered UV sunglasses, a lens needs to block at least 75% of UV rays, but many sunglasses are just for fashion and don’t offer any protection at all. So, even if they look cool, they might not be protecting your eyes. Always look for the UV400 label on sunglasses to ensure they block almost all of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

What Is A Polarized Lens?

Polarized lenses are special sunglasses that make it easier to see in bright light!

Do you know how the sun can reflect off things like water, snow, or even the road, making it hard to see? That’s called glare, almost 3,000 car accidents happen every year because of that sun’s glare. Polarized lenses have a special filter that blocks it, making things look clearer and less blurry. 

They’re also great for activities like fishing, boating, or skiing, where glare can make it hard to see. Even if you spend a lot of time looking at screens, polarized lenses can help reduce eye strain. 

You can have sunglasses with both polarized and UV400 lenses, which is great for protecting your eyes in all sorts of conditions. But remember, just because a lens is polarized doesn’t mean it also blocks UV rays, and vice versa. So, look for sunglasses that are labeled both “UV400” and “Polarized” for the best protection.

Q&A About UV400 Polarized Lenses

Q. Do polarized lenses make it harder to see screens?

A. While it’s true that polarized lenses can affect the visibility of LCD screens, many modern lenses are designed to minimize this issue. The good things about seeing better and less eye strain usually make this little problem worth it.

Q. Are UV400 and polarized lenses the same thing?

A. UV400 refers to the level of UV protection, while polarization is about reducing glare. Combining the two offers comprehensive eye protection and improved vision.

Q. I’ve heard that cheap sunglasses can actually hurt my eyes more than not wearing any sunglasses at all. Is that true? They say that when you wear sunglasses, your pupils get bigger. So, if the sunglasses don’t block UV rays, your eyes get even more sun damage.

A. We’ve heard that too, but we haven’t seen any studies proving it. It does kind of make sense, though. But remember, even clear lenses can block all the harmful UV rays. That said, We always recommend getting good quality lenses, for your regular glasses and sunglasses. Why risk your eye health? It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Q. What color should I get for my wooden sunglasses lenses?

A. It’s all about what you like! Some colors change how things look, making them brighter or darker, while others don’t. But the most important thing is to make sure your lenses block 100% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. That’s the best way to protect your eyes.

Q. Do I Need Polarized Or UV Sunglasses? Making the right choice!

A. Look for sunglasses that have both UV protection and polarized lenses. This gives you the best of both – protection from harmful rays and reduced glare. If you’re not sure which sunglasses are right for you, ask an eye doctor or contact our team. We would be happy to help you find the perfect pair for your needs.

All GOWOOD wooden sunglasses are UV400 polarized, with lenses that are category 3 CE certified and are FDA approved for maximum eye protection, check out our full collection here.