UV400 vs Polarised vs Category 3 Sunglasses: What's the Difference?
When shopping for quality sunglasses, you'll often encounter terms like "UV400," "polarised," and "Category 3." Understanding these features is crucial for protecting your eyes and ensuring you get the right sunglasses for your needs. Let's break down these important sunglasses features and help you make an informed choice for your eye protection.
What is UV400 Protection?
UV400 protection refers to sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation up to 400 nanometers, which includes both UVA and UVB rays. This comprehensive protection is essential for preventing short and long-term damage to your eyes.
Why UV400 Protection Matters
UV radiation can cause serious eye conditions including:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Photokeratitis (essentially a sunburn on your cornea)
- Pterygium (abnormal tissue growth)
UV400 protection is a must-have feature regardless of the style or price point of your sunglasses. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate cloud cover and damage unprotected eyes.
At Passport Eyewear we ensure all of our sunglasses have this UV400 protection: you can shop our entire UV400 Sunglasses Range below!
What are Polarised Lenses?
Polarised lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light, reducing glare from surfaces like water, snow, and glass. This technology provides clearer vision, enhanced contrast, and reduced eye strain in bright conditions.
Benefits of Polarised Sunglasses
- Reduced glare from reflective surfaces
- Enhanced visual clarity and comfort
- Improved contrast and color perception
- Reduced eye fatigue during outdoor activities
Polarised lenses are particularly beneficial for:
- Driving
- Fishing and water sports
- Winter sports
- Beach activities
- People with light sensitivity
It's important to note that polarised lenses are a comfort feature and don't necessarily provide UV protection unless specifically stated. Always check that your polarised sunglasses also offer UV400 protection.
All Passport Eyewear polarised sunglasses have Category 3 and UV400 ratings!
View all Polarised Sunglasses
What is Category 3 Protection?
Category 3 refers to the lens category system used in Australia and Europe to indicate how much visible light a lens filters out. This system ranges from Category 0 (very light tint) to Category 4 (very dark tint).
Understanding Category 3 Lenses
Category 3 lenses:
- Filter 82-92% of visible light
- Are suitable for bright sunlight conditions
- Provide good protection against glare
- Are appropriate for general use and driving in daylight
Category 3 is the most common lens darkness for everyday sunglasses and is recommended for general outdoor use in sunny conditions. However, category number refers only to the darkness of the lens and doesn't guarantee UV protection.
At Passport Eyewear all of our sunglasses are Category 3 as well as UV400 rated so you know you're getting the best protection!
Comparing the Three Features
| Feature | What it Does | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV400 | Blocks harmful UV radiation | Essential eye health protection | Doesn't reduce glare or brightness |
| Polarised | Reduces glare from reflective surfaces | Water sports, driving, snow activities | May interfere with viewing certain digital screens |
| Category 3 | Filters 82-92% of visible light | General outdoor use in bright conditions | Doesn't necessarily include UV protection |
How to Choose the Right Sunglasses
The ideal sunglasses for most people combine all three features:
- UV400 protection to safeguard eye health
- Polarised lenses for comfort and glare reduction
- Category 3 tint for appropriate darkness in sunny conditions
At Passport Eyewear all of our sunglasses, including our Kids range, are rated at UV400 and Category 3 unless otherwise specified. For all three of the above be sure to check out our Polarised range!
Conclusion: Protect Your Vision!
Understanding the differences between UV400, polarised lenses, and Category 3 protection empowers you to make the best choice for your eye health and comfort. Remember that UV protection should be your primary concern, with polarization and lens category as important secondary considerations.
For the best eye protection and visual comfort, look for sunglasses that combine all three features. Your eyes will thank you for the investment in their long-term health.
Have questions about finding the perfect sunglasses for your needs? Contact us for more information!
