Everything you need to know about the UV protection level of your sunglasses

When the sun shines, many people immediately reach for sunglasses. But not all sunglasses are created equal. In addition to style and fit, the protection that sunglasses provide is extremely important for the health of your eyes. Sunglasses are classified into different categories based on their level of protection against sunlight.

Let me tell you more about why it is important to choose the right category for your needs.

What are sunglasses categories?

Sunglasses categories refer to the lenses' light transmittance, or how much visible light the lenses let through. These categories range from 0 to 4 and indicate how suitable sunglasses are for different lighting conditions. At dimi eyewear we use categories 2 and 3. We believe it is important that it offers the right protection in addition to being a fashion accessory.

Category 0: Very light coloration (80-100% light transmission)

Glasses in category 0 have very light lenses that offer little protection against bright sunlight. They are mainly intended for style or as safety glasses. These sunglasses are suitable for cloudy days or evenings, when there is little bright light, but you still want some protection against glare. Blue light glasses are also category 0. Blue light glasses are specially designed glasses that filter the blue light from screens such as computers, phones and TVs.

Category 1: Light coloring (43-80% light transmission)

These sunglasses offer light protection and are suitable for cloudy days or environments with filtered sunlight. They reduce glare somewhat and are a good choice for urban use where the sun is not extremely bright.

Category 2: Medium coloration (18-43% light transmittance)

Category 2 sunglasses offer average protection and are ideal for changing weather conditions. They are suitable for use on partly cloudy to sunny days. This makes them versatile and a good choice for everyday use in temperate climates.

Category 3: Dark coloring (8-18% light transmission)

Glasses in category 3 offer a high level of protection against bright sunlight and are ideal for summer days, beach holidays and outdoor activities such as walking or cycling. These sunglasses are the most popular because they provide proper protection against most sunny conditions.

Category 4: Very dark coloration (3-8% light transmission)

Category 4 sunglasses offer the highest level of protection and are intended for extreme lighting conditions, such as on high mountains or on the water where the reflection of the sun can be very bright. These sunglasses are not suitable for driving as they are too dark to maintain a safe view of the road.

Why is it important to choose the right category?

Choosing the right sunglasses category is important for protecting your eyes. Lenses that are too light cannot adequately protect your eyes against UV rays and bright light, which can lead to eye strain, headaches and even long-term damage. On the other hand, lenses that are too dark in unsuitable conditions can obscure your vision, which can be dangerous, especially during activities such as driving.

Sunglasses are a fantastic fashion accessory. They are also essential for protecting your eyes against harmful UV rays and bright light. By choosing the right sunglasses category, you can ensure that your eyes are optimally protected in different lighting conditions. Whether you're spending a cloudy day in the city or heading into the mountains on a sunny day, there's a sunglasses category to suit your needs. Invest in good sunglasses and give your eyes the protection they deserve.