uv protection for sunglasses?

Question

Hello,
I just bought a great pair of sunglasses from Banana Republic. The description of the sunglasses on the web site stated they provided UV protection but i had them tested at my eye doctor's office and the glasses offer ZERO UV protection.
My question: Can a protective coating be applied to the lenses of the sunglasses so that they do offer UV protection or is UV protection "built in" to the lenses when manufactered? thanks in advance

Answer 1

I work for a retailer that sells banana rep sunglasses. the company that owns us manufacturers the br sunglasses. i can assure you they have the maximum level uv protection ( uv 400) they protect you from uva,and uv b rays. it sounds as though the eye doctor is trying to rip you off.

Answer 2

I just wanted to correct this one:





"Plastics generally absorb (block) UV light. That's why UV-activated photogray and transitions lenses don't work well inside automobiles. The windshield's plastic absorbs too much UV. "



Some plastics absorb most UV, but others don't absorb much. Auto windsheilds are made of glass, not plastic. The windshields have UV block added to protect the finish of the surfaces inside the car. True, the UV block is what make regular Transitions fail to work inside the car.



Transitions and Younger make Drivewear now, a product that does activate behind a car's windshield. The UV block in auto glass don't block 100% all the UV. Drivewear lenses activate by using the little bit of UV that gets through.



"Clear, standard plastic spectacle lenses will filter more than 85% of the UV rays from sunlight. If the lenses are made of polycarbonate they will filter more than 90% without any tinting. "



Yes, that's true, but 85 - 90% UV screening is not enough. UV can hurt your eyes, just like it can hurt your skin. It's not good for you. You want >99.5% UV protection over the whole spectrum.



"Wear sunscreen!"



Yes, that too!

Answer 3

The UV filter has to be done before the tint . So it can't be added afterwards.



But, I would be very very surprised that they don't have UV protection...I think your Dr's office made an error.



Drop into another optical store somewhere and ask if they have a UV tester...most places do now.



Banana Republic is a well known name...they wouldn't fool around with that.

Answer 4

I also doubt the accuracy of the test used on your new sunglasses. It sounds like somebody is trying to sell you their sunglasses. Plastics generally absorb (block) UV light. That's why UV-activated photogray and transitions lenses don't work well inside automobiles. The windshield's plastic absorbs too much UV. Clear, standard plastic spectacle lenses will filter more than 85% of the UV rays from sunlight. If the lenses are made of polycarbonate they will filter more than 90% without any tinting. Tints applied to lenses DO absorb UV light, some better than others.



I really don't think you need to do anything to your lenses except wear them. They should work just fine. Remember, however, that your forehead is subjected to much more direct UV radiation from the sun than your eyes, so wear sunscreen!

Answer 5

This has already been answered

Answer 6

Finally, that's what I was looking for! Thanks to author of this question.