Do expensive sunglasses better protect from UV radiation?

Question

Or they just look fancier?

I know there are UV-A, UV-B and UV-C parts of spectrum.
I heard the claim on TV that cheap sunglasses don't protect against all of those parts of spectrum.

Answer 1

The cheap sunglasses block all the UV rays as well as the good ones do.



The difference with the good ones is in the quality of the lenses that make them free of any distortions making them much more comfortable to look through for hours.



UV coatings block UV rays up to 400 nm ( nanometers)



UVA is 320-380 nm

UVB is 280-320 nm

UVC is 100-280 nm



So when it has a UV 400 coating, as all sunglasses do, it covers the whole range.



That is just scare tactics by the advertiser for what ever they are selling.

Answer 2

No UV protection is really bad. I'm sure if you bought them at a reputable shop then they will have UV protection. I would recommend that you take them into an opticians that manufactures glasses and ask them to check them for you. There is a piece of equipment they will have to check for UV protection. If you are in the UK then Vision Express will definitely do this for you. What happens when you put a tinted lens in front of your eyes is your pupils dilate to let more light into the eye. If you have no UV protection then all the UV will get to the eye and cause problems, like premature cataracts or degeneration of the white of the eye.

Answer 3

When you're choosing sunglasses, u have to look for the UV protection details on product labels. Choose sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UVB rays and at least 95 percent of UVA rays.



It doesnt always means that expensive sunglasses are better!

So make sure when you buy sunglasses to have a look at the protectiondetails on product labels.

Answer 4

Extra Cheap Sunglasses I would always avoid. You can go for medium range $15-$35.



If you too concern always look for Polarized Sunglasses. Mostly preferred by people who are more active outdoors or in sports. Only draw back is limited styling.

Answer 5

Polarized will block UV-A & UV-B (horizontal & vertical), I think this is best.

Answer 6

if they're polycarbonate. yes, they will block UV

i believe if they're polarized they will too.. (non polarized lenses are a waste if you ask me)