How To Tell If Sunglasses Have UV Protection?

The fashion industry today is currently saturated with cheap knock-offs, fast fashion, and mass production. With all the available sunglasses in the market right now, how confident are you that your current sunglasses are legitimately effective against UV rays?

Lucky for you, checking the effectiveness of UV-blocking sunglasses is very easy. In fact, there are simple ways that you can perform in order to confirm if your current sunglasses offer the standard UV protection.

In this blog, let's explore the fundamentals behind UV-blocking lenses and learn how you can identify the real deal right from the comfort of your own home.

What Does it Mean if Sunglasses Are UV-Blocking?

Legitimate UV-blocking sunglasses are eyewear that is specially designed and manufactured to filter out the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. These sunglasses are usually labeled with “UV400 Protection”– a label known as a gold standard in eye safety.

An important fact to remember is that not all tinted lenses are UV-blocking. But why is there a need to block UVA and UVB? Well, in general, both UVA and UVB are harmful rays as they contribute to the development of vision-impairing cataracts, vision-distorting macular degeneration, and other various long-term eye conditions that could lead to blindness.

To be specific, UVA causes rapid aging, while UVB causes burning sensations in the eyes, which are not only uncomfortable but also painful.

Hence, while sleek designs and the utilization of premium materials should be considered, you must never forget to check the invisible protection of the sunglass as it will truly define its overall quality, especially if you are buying one for a summer getaway or any activity under the scorching heat of the sun.

Why is UV Protection So Important?

At Andre Montana, we know that the human eye is the most important organ in our body. Ultraviolet rays may be invisible to our naked eyes, but it is a fact that they are incredibly harmful and damaging to our eyes.

Just like our skin, prolonged and constant sun exposure to the eyes could cause several diseases that may take a huge toll on our lives. Our eyes are just as vulnerable to sun damage as our skin. 

Without the proper protection, prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to:

• Eye strain and Fatigue
• Premature aging around the eyes
• Photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea)
• Cataracts and other degenerative eye conditions
• Increased risk of skin cancer on the eyelids
• Irreversible vision damage

If you're investing in quality eyewear, UV protection should be non-negotiable. Real luxury means never compromising on protection—and that includes your vision.

How to Tell if Your Sunglasses Have UV Protection?

As already mentioned earlier, there are several ways that you can find out whether your sunglasses truly offer the standard UV protection or if they are just mere tinted lenses masquerading as UV-blocking lenses. Check them out below:

1. Check the labeling

First things first, one of the ways to know if your sunglasses are capable of blocking UVA and UVB is to check the labels. Here are some of the most common tags or labels that you should look out for: “100% UV protection,” “UV400 protection,” or “blocks UVA and UVB.”

High-end and premium eyewear brands like Andre Montana include this as a standard feature, as we believe that luxury should always come with peace of mind. This is also a reminder to always purchase original products rather than getting knock-offs.

2. Check whether they filter UV rays

Did you know that you can have your sunglasses checked by opticians and eyewear specialists? For maximum assurance, let the experts and professionals do their job. More often than not, opticians have specialized tools that can accurately measure a sunglasses’ capability of blocking ultraviolet rays.

Most high-end boutiques and optical stores offer UV light meter services, especially for premium eyewear purchases.

3. Put them under a black light

Here is a little do-it-yourself method that you can try. By simply placing the lens of your sunglasses under a black light or UV light, you can quickly check its efficacy against UV rays.

All you need to find is a UV-reactive surface, such as a currency bill, and place it in front of sunglasses with the backlight behind them. If the surface of the currency bill glows less when viewed through the lens, then it's a sign that it has some UV protection.

Keep in mind, though, that this is not a foolproof method—it’s just a quick way to check for potential UV-blocking properties.

4. Test them yourself

If you don't want to bother anyone about your sunglasses, then you can buy some at-home UV testers that are now readily available online. Other than UV meters, you can also try UV test cards, which are basically cheaper than the former.

To use one, simply place the card behind your sunglasses and shine a UV light. If the card doesn’t change, your lenses are doing their job. But remember: for full certainty, professional testing is always best.

Do All Sunglasses Have UV Protection?

No, not all sunglasses are created equally. Even some luxury designer sunglasses are not made for UV-blocking. Meanwhile, cheaper fashion glasses and knock-offs also prioritize aesthetics over eye safety and functionality.

That’s why it’s important to choose trusted brands that prioritize both form and function, like Andre Montana.

Invest in Eyewear That Works as Beautifully as It Looks

Your eyes are irreplaceable, and your eyewear should reflect that! Never compromise functionality over style. Whether you're gearing up for another tropical escapade, getting ready to chase sunsets in Saint-Tropez, or just simply up for any outdoor activity, always opt for sunglasses that combine stylish design with true optical protection.

At Andre Montana, our vintage-style sunglasses don’t just channel timeless elegance; they are also crafted with premium lenses that meet the highest UV protection standards. Check out our collection today and experience eyewear that is more than an accessory.