How To Tell If Sunglasses have UV Protection

Shaolyn · Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Toronto ontario

Can anyone tell me if there is any possible way to tell if some pair of sunglasses are UV protected, and or Polarized? thanks!

chicoboy · Guest

Not sure about the UV protection--you will probably have to rely on manufacturer's claims ... But polarization is easy to detect.

One of the fastest ways is to look at an monocromatic LCD screen (the digital screen at a gas pump, or an LCD wristwatch for example) thru the lenses. You will probably see on first glance that the screen looks flat black (where are the numbers?) but as you tilt/rotate your head slightly (so one eye is higher than the other) you will see the display change. This is due to the interaction between the filter pattern in the glasses and the LCD screen.

Polarization is great at cutting glare, so you can often see thru a windshield to see the person inside instead of just a shiny piece of glass. Next time you are in a store, compare polarized lenses with normal ones by looking out the window at the cars parked in the sun. I think it's worth the extra cost, but good lenses are Pricy. I have a pair of Maui Jims (polarized, anti-reflective and UV blocking) that were around $200.

Guest · Posted: Fri Jun 29, 2007 11:20 am Post subject: Re: UV / Polarization

Chicoboy · Guest

if you are talking about the UV protection ... they might be able to answer your question based on style and brand and familiarity with it.

Can't hurt to ask. If they don't recognize the brand/style, I don't know of a way to test for it unless you were to shine a UV light source at the lens then measure its strengh after passing thru it. This scenario is lab work ... probably beyond the capabilites typical mall shops.

I will add that UV protection is pretty common for new sunglasses over $5-$10 so you are pretty safe in assuming...

Hope that helps.