Sunglasses 101: What UV400, Polarised, and Category 3 Really Mean for Your Eyes
We've all been there—standing in front of a rack of sunglasses, wondering what all those technical terms actually mean for your eyes and vision. Is that UV400 sticker just marketing? Do polarised lenses really make a difference? And what exactly is "Category 3" protection?
Today, we're cutting through the confusion to help you understand exactly what these features do, why they matter, and how to choose sunglasses that truly protect your eyes while looking fantastic.
UV400 Protection: Your Eyes' First Line of Defense
What it means: UV400 protection blocks 99-100% of ultraviolet radiation up to 400 nanometers—covering both UVA and UVB rays that can harm your eyes.
Why it's non-negotiable: Even on cloudy days, UV rays reach your eyes and can cause serious damage over time, including:
- Cataracts (clouding of your eye's natural lens)
- Macular degeneration (leading cause of vision loss)
- Photokeratitis (essentially sunburn on your cornea—ouch!)
- Pterygium (abnormal tissue growth that can distort vision)
Think of UV400 protection as sunscreen for your eyes—something you shouldn't leave home without, regardless of the season or weather.
Passport Eyewear Promise: Every single pair of our sunglasses includes complete UV400 protection. No exceptions. Your eye health is that important to us.
Shop Our UV400 Collection
Polarised Lenses: The Glare-Fighting Superpower
Have you ever been driving and suddenly hit by blinding glare from the car ahead? Or tried to enjoy a day on the water only to be squinting through reflected sunlight? That's where polarised lenses come to the rescue.
What they do: Polarised lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light. Think of them as tiny venetian blinds that only let in light from certain directions.
The difference you'll notice:
- Enhanced clarity when looking at water, snow, or glass
- Reduced eye strain during outdoor activities
- Richer colors and improved contrast
- Less squinting = fewer headaches and wrinkles!
Who benefits most from polarised lenses:
- Drivers (especially with water or snow nearby)
- Fishers and boaters (see beneath the water's surface)
- Skiers and snowboarders (reduce snow glare)
- Anyone with light sensitivity
- People who spend lots of time outdoors
Important to know: Polarisation is about comfort and clarity—not UV protection. Always make sure your polarised sunglasses also have UV400 protection (like all Passport Eyewear pairs do).
Our Top Polarised Picks
Category 3: Finding Your Perfect Shade
When you see "Category 3" on sunglasses, it's telling you about the darkness level of the lenses—not to be confused with UV protection!
The category system simplified:
- Category 0-1: Light tint (43-80% light filtered) - for cloudy days or fashion
- Category 2: Medium tint (80-82% light filtered) - for variable conditions
- Category 3: Dark tint (82-92% light filtered) - for bright, sunny days
- Category 4: Very dark tint (92-97% light filtered) - for extreme conditions like mountains or water sports (not for driving)
Why Category 3 is the sweet spot: These lenses block enough light for comfortable vision on bright days without being too dark for everyday activities. They're ideal for most outdoor conditions and suitable for driving.
At Passport Eyewear: We've selected Category 3 for our entire range because it provides the optimal balance of protection and versatility for Australian conditions.
Feature Comparison: What You Really Need to Know
| Feature | What It Does | Why It Matters | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV400 | Blocks harmful radiation | Prevents long-term eye damage | Doesn't affect brightness or glare |
| Polarised | Eliminates harsh reflected light | Reduces eye strain and improves visibility | Slightly higher price point |
| Category 3 | Filters 82-92% of visible light | Comfortable vision in bright conditions | Doesn't necessarily include UV protection |
How to Choose Your Perfect Sunglasses
The ideal sunglasses combine all three features we've discussed, but your specific needs might vary based on your lifestyle:
For everyday wear: Look for UV400 protection and Category 3 tint at minimum.
For water activities, driving, or snow sports: Add polarised lenses to your must-have list.
For sensitive eyes: Consider wraparound styles that block light from the sides as well.
For fashion-forward protection: Browse our trending styles that offer both protection and style—because safety and looking great aren't mutually exclusive!
Your Eyes Deserve the Best
Understanding sunglasses features isn't just about making an informed purchase—it's about protecting one of your most valuable assets: your vision.
At Passport Eyewear, we believe quality eye protection should be accessible to everyone. That's why all our sunglasses feature:
- ✓ 100% UV400 protection
- ✓ Category 3 lens darkness
- ✓ Polarised options for those who want the ultimate in visual comfort
Whether you're after fashion-forward frames, sports performance, or kids' protection, we've got your eyes covered—literally.
Have questions about finding your perfect pair? Contact our friendly team for personalized recommendations and expert advice.