What is UV400 and how does it protect you from the sun

What Does UV400 Protection Mean?

When lenses have UV400 protection, it means they block all ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.

This means they protect your eyes from:

- UVA rays: They cause premature aging because they penetrate deeper into the skin and, of course, can damage our eyes. These rays are present all year round.

- UVB rays: They affect the surface of the skin and can cause sunburns, as well as eye problems. They are more intense in summer and at higher altitudes.

What Does It Mean When Sunglasses Are UV400?

Considering what was mentioned in the previous point, when sunglasses are UV400, it means they offer maximum protection against UV rays.

This is ideal for your eye health, since prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to conditions such as cataracts, photokeratitis (a type of corneal burn), or long-term retinal damage, among others.

Is UV400 Protection Enough to Protect the Eyes?

UV400 protection is enough to protect the eyes and is highly effective, as it provides 100% blockage against UVA and UVB rays, which are considered the most harmful to eye health.

Types of UV400 Sunglasses: What Categories Exist?

Within UV400 protection sunglasses, there can be different levels of visible light filtering, known as solar filter categories:

- Category 0: Filters 0% to 20% of light. Recommended when light is very low, for example, indoors. They are also a good option to protect against external elements, such as wind.

- Category 1: Filtering level 20% - 57%. Designed for winter days, cloudy or low-light conditions.

- Category 2: Filtering level ranges from 57% to 82%. These sunglasses are ideal for general outdoor use, when you're not exposed to continuous sunlight or when the sun is partially covered by clouds.

- Category 3: The most common ones, designed for sunny days. Their light filtering level (82% – 92%) makes them the perfect sunglasses for spending long hours in the sun.

- Category 4: These sunglasses are suitable for areas where UVA rays are more aggressive: high mountains, snowy environments, etc.

UV400 Cat 3 Sunglasses

UV400 cat 3 sunglasses offer excellent protection without being overly dark, making them a safe and comfortable alternative for daily use.

This type of glasses, due to their filtering, are not only ideal for going to the beach, but also a good choice for sports or outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling. They are also recommended for daytime driving.

Some of our favorites in this category are the Off-White Virgil OERI008 0298, the new Ray-Ban Mega Wayfarer Blacked Out, the Oakley Sutro Lite Sweep sports sunglasses, or the Adidas SP0072 02A.

https://www.vytria.com/es/off-white-virgil-oeri008-0928

https://www.vytria.com/es/ray_ban-rb0840s6826j5-gafas-de-sol

https://www.vytria.com/es/oakley-oo9465-946504

https://www.vytria.com/es/adidas-sport-sp0072-02a

UV400 Cat 4 Sunglasses

Just like the previous category, UV400 cat 4 sunglasses offer maximum protection against UV rays, but in this case, they are suitable for extreme light situations.

The sunglasses discussed in this section usually darken significantly, so they are recommended for high mountain environments or very intense light settings. They are not suitable for driving, but they are ideal for snow sports, such as skiing or snowboarding.

In this category, we highlight the Cazal Blizzard snow goggles, the Montblanc MB0380S, and the Moncler ME8003 50026G.

https://www.vytria.com/es/cazal-blizzard-001-mascara-de-nieve

https://www.vytria.com/es/montblanc-mb0380s-001

https://www.vytria.com/es/moncler-me8003-50026g

How to Know If Sunglasses Are Truly UV400?

When buying sunglasses, it’s important to verify that they meet this type of protection. But, how can you know if sunglasses are UV400?

To check this, you should:

- Check the label: It should state UV400 or "100% UV protection".

- Look for certifications: Look for the CE symbol or standards such as ISO 12312-1.

- Verify the information with the manufacturer: To confirm UV protection.

Tips for Choosing the Best UV400 Sunglasses

After reading this article, the search term "what does UV400 mean in sunglasses" can disappear from your history.

But even though we've already explained everything you need to know about UV400 sunglasses, here are a few tips for choosing them:

- Carry out the verifications mentioned in the previous section.

- Buy from opticians or reputable stores.

- Choose the category according to the activities you’ll be doing and the use you plan to give your sunglasses.

- Avoid dark sunglasses without UV protection to prevent eye damage.

- Choose glasses with quality lenses and frames that feel comfortable for daily use.

Choose Your UV400 Sunglasses at Vytria

At Vytria we have a wide variety of sunglasses brands, and we are confident you will find the perfect UV400 sunglasses for you. If you have any doubts about the category of these glasses, contact us and we will advise you, because for us, your eye health will always be a priority.