Not All Sunglasses Protect Your Eyes
Sunglasses without proper UV protection are not just useless — they are dangerous. Dark lenses without UV filtering cause your pupils to dilate, allowing more harmful ultraviolet radiation to enter your eyes than if you wore nothing at all. Understanding UV protection is not optional. It is essential.
What Is UV Radiation?
Ultraviolet radiation is invisible electromagnetic energy from the sun. It comes in three types: UVA (315 to 400 nanometres), UVB (280 to 315 nm), and UVC (100 to 280 nm). UVC is absorbed by the atmosphere and never reaches us. UVA and UVB do — and both can damage your eyes.
UVA penetrates deep into the eye and is linked to macular degeneration — the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. It passes through clouds and glass, meaning your eyes are exposed even on overcast days and through car windshields.
UVB affects the surface of the eye and is the primary cause of photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), pinguecula, and pterygium — growths on the surface of the eye that can impair vision. UVB exposure is most intense at high altitudes, near water, and in snow.
What Does UV400 Mean?
UV400 means the lenses block all light wavelengths up to 400 nanometres — which covers the entire UVA and UVB spectrum. It is the highest level of UV protection available in sunglasses lenses and corresponds to blocking 99 to 100 percent of harmful ultraviolet radiation.
You may also see labels that say UV100 percent or CE marked (in Europe). These are all equivalent to UV400. The key number to look for is always 400 — if a lens only blocks up to 380nm, it lets through the most damaging portion of UVA radiation.
What About Polarisation?
Polarisation and UV protection are two completely different things. Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces (water, roads, snow) by filtering horizontal light waves. This improves visual comfort and contrast but has nothing to do with UV protection.
A polarised lens without UV400 coating still lets ultraviolet radiation through. A UV400 lens without polarisation still fully protects your eyes from UV damage. Ideally, you want both — but if you have to choose one, UV protection is non-negotiable. Polarisation is a comfort feature.
How Frame Studio Protects Your Eyes
Every Frame Studio pair comes standard with UV400 protection lenses. No exceptions, no upgrades needed, no premium tier required. From the NOVA round at 49 euros to the DIVA rectangle at 49 euros — every single lens blocks the full UVA and UVB spectrum.
We believe UV protection should not be a luxury feature. It is a safety requirement that every pair of sunglasses should meet — regardless of price point.
5 Signs Your Current Sunglasses May Not Have UV Protection
If any of these apply, it is time to replace your current pair:
No UV label at all. If the lenses do not state UV400, UV100 percent, or carry a CE mark, assume they are not protective. Dark tint does not equal UV protection.
You bought them from a market stall or street vendor. Unregulated sellers rarely test for UV compliance. The frames might look stylish, but the lenses could be making your eyes worse.
The lenses are scratched or damaged. Scratches in UV coating can create gaps in protection. If your lenses are visibly worn, the coating may be compromised.
They are very old. UV coatings degrade over time, especially with heavy use. If your sunglasses are more than 3 to 5 years old and heavily worn, consider replacing them.
You experience headaches or eye fatigue. Poor-quality lenses — even with some UV protection — can cause optical distortion that leads to headaches and eye strain.
Protect Your Eyes at Every Price Point
Frame Studio was built on the principle that premium eye protection should be accessible. UV400 lenses, premium acetate frames, reinforced hinges, and a protective case — all starting at 49 euros. Because your eyes deserve real protection, not just dark plastic.
Shop the full collection and see the difference that proper UV protection makes.
