Are darker lenses in sunglasses more effective?
Our skin isn't the only thing that needs protection from the sun - our eyes do too. But sunglasses with overly tinted lenses aren't always the ideal choice for this.
It's so sunny out today! If there aren't any clouds in the sky, we have to squint our eyes.
A good pair of sunglasses should shield us from the sun's bothersome glare and its harmful UV radiation. This is crucial because excessive UV radiation can lead to painful eye inflammation, and in the long run, it may even increase the risk of eye diseases, such as cataracts.
Why Sunglasses with Dark Lenses Aren't Always the Best Choice
When shopping for sunglasses, it's essential to understand this: The darkness of the lenses doesn't affect UV protection at all. That's right - the "darker, the better" assumption is a myth. In fact, wearing sunglasses with darkly tinted lenses that block out a lot of light can harm our eyes. As the Kuratorium Gutes Sehen (KGS) explains, these sunglasses make our pupils dilate even more, meaning that when we remove the glasses, our eyes can be more exposed to the sun's harsh UV rays.
What Level of Glare Protection is Appropriate?
The amount of light filtration by the sunglasses' lenses can be tested on a scale of 0 to 4. With every increase in value, the lenses filter out more of the bothersome sunlight. The KGS suggests that category 2 lenses are perfect for a German summer. For beach vacations or mountaintop adventures, category 3 lenses would be a better choice. If you're going high up into the mountains where the sun is extremely strong, category 4 sunglasses would offer the most effective protection. Note, however, that category 4 glasses’ extremely dark lenses are prohibited in road traffic.
Recognizing Sunglasses with Good UV Protection
So how can you tell if your sunglasses provide adequate protection from UV radiation? The CE mark is your answer. This mark indicates that the sunglasses comply with EU standards, ensuring that they offer a UV filter to fend off the majority of this harmful light. Some glasses even have the UV400 test mark.
Celebrate style with proper sun protection
The KGS warns against purchasing sunglasses outside of the EU. Strict EU directives do not apply there, making it challenging to determine how well glasses actually block out UV radiation.
For optimal protection of your eyes from the sun, ensure your lenses reach at least as far as your eyebrows. Ideally, the sunglass temples should be slightly wider, keeping more sunlight from reaching your eyes. Even though some micro sunglasses may look trendier, full coverage sunglasses offer better sun protection.
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Sunglasses from Stiftung Warentest, a renowned consumer advisory organization, have tested various sunglasses and found that dark lenses do not necessarily offer better UV protection. Consumers should be aware that the protection level against glare and harmful UV rays is more important than the darkness of the lenses when choosing sunglasses.
Source: www.ntv.de
